The State Minister of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jens Frølich Holte will visit Sri Lanka this week during which he will discuss promotion of ocean-based industries.
Holte’s visit during 20th – 23rd June coincides with the arrival of the Norwegian research vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen to Sri Lanka, a Norwegian embassy statement said.
The research vessel will arrive in Colombo on the 21st of June followed by a 26 days research journey around the island.
“The research vessel will assist Sri Lanka in mapping her marine resources.”
Holte will meet senior politicians, ministers and members of civil society in Sri Lanka.
“This visit will provide an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual benefit and interest, including bilateral cooperation, environmental challenges and promotion of ocean-based industries,” said Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Thorbjørn Gaustadsæther.
Norway has a long history as a marine nation, and there are considerable opportunities for sustainable growth in ocean-based industries in the future, the statement said.
Holte will speak at the opening of a regional symposium organized by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development of Sri Lanka in co-operation with the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries and the Norwegian Embassy in Colombo about “SDG 14 – Life Below Water”.
Participants from countries from the Bay of Bengal and other stakeholders will discuss challenges and opportunities for sustainable use of the ocean.
The State Minister will also pay a short visit to Jaffna to learn about the outcomes of the long-term Norwegian support to sustainable livelihood activities in the resettled areas.
Before ending his visit, Holte will open a Business Conference on Blue Economy organized by the Norwegian Embassy, with participants from the maritime, marine and aquaculture sectors in both Norway and Sri Lanka.
