Colombo Plan Expands Maritime Sector Cooperation: Secretary General Holds Talks with Saudi Ambassador 

Dr. Benjami Reyes, Secretary General of the Colombo Plan (CP), held discussions with Saudi Arabian Ambassador Khalid Hamoud Alkahtani to bolster cooperation in the maritime sector.

The meeting, focused on infrastructure, capacity building, and trade facilitation, also included Rohan Masakorala, Lead Consultant to the CP Maritime Advisory Programme.

Ambassador Alkahtani expressed optimism, affirming Saudi Arabia's commitment to collaboration with CP, a leading gulf state. Notably, the United States has been pivotal in funding key projects, recently supporting a three-year capacity building program for the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

Established in 1950, CP aims to foster economic and social development in Asia and the Pacific by facilitating technology transfer and cooperation among member countries. With a focus on South-South cooperation, CP's programs span various sectors, including drug advisory, capacity building, gender affairs, and the environment.