In a significant display of diplomatic camaraderie, Sri Lanka and Indonesia have reaffirmed their dedication to fortifying the enduring bond between the two nations at the 10th World Water Summit. The bilateral meeting between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Indonesian President Joko Widodo witnessed a comprehensive exchange of ideas, underscoring the importance of collaboration in confronting global challenges.
President Wickremesinghe commenced the dialogue by emphasizing the deep-rooted historical connections between Sri Lanka and Indonesia, harking back to their joint participation in the 1956 Bandung Conference. He lauded President Widodo’s adept leadership on both regional and international fronts, recognizing the pivotal role summits like these play in nurturing global cooperation.
A pivotal focus of the discourse was dedicated to water management, an issue of paramount importance in today’s world. President Wickremesinghe accentuated the significance of the World Water Summit and affirmed Sri Lanka’s readiness to join the Global Blended Financial Alliance, a strategic initiative aimed at surmounting financial hurdles in water resource management. His commendation of Indonesia for spearheading the establishment of the Alliance’s Secretariat underscored the mutual recognition of shared challenges and the imperative for collective action.
President Widodo, in turn, advocated for enhanced economic cooperation, emphasizing the expeditious finalization of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) by early 2025 to bolster economic ties between the two nations. Indonesia’s expressed interest in accessing the Sri Lankan vaccine market and the call for the removal of import restrictions on palm oil further exemplify the shared economic aspirations and potential avenues for mutual growth.
The discussion also delved into renewable energy, with President Widodo showcasing Indonesia’s strides in this domain, particularly through ambitious projects like the floating solar power initiative. Both leaders emphasized the pivotal role of hydro diplomacy and political leadership in achieving sustainable water management and development objectives, signaling a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.
President Wickremesinghe reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to regional integration efforts, highlighting existing free trade agreements and ongoing negotiations while exploring avenues for broader participation in frameworks like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
The dialogue extended to encompass regional security concerns, with both leaders expressing support for ASEAN’s Indo-Pacific outlook and advocating for closer bilateral and regional cooperation in Indian Ocean affairs.
Looking forward, President Widodo expressed optimism for continued collaboration with Sri Lanka under the impending transition of leadership in Indonesia, while President Wickremesinghe extended a warm invitation for a visit to Sri Lanka post his term.
In essence, the bilateral meeting at the 10th World Water Summit epitomized the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between Sri Lanka and Indonesia. As both nations navigate the complexities of the contemporary geopolitical landscape, their commitment to bolstering ties and addressing shared challenges underscores the enduring strength of their partnership.
