Sri Lanka signs air service agreement with EU

October 28th, 2011 - 9:25 pm ICT by IANS  

Colombo, Oct 28 (IANS) Sri Lanka and the European Union (EU) have signed an air service agreement that will enhance overall cooperation between the two parties, the island nation’s external affairs ministry said in a statement Friday.

The agreement covers aspects of air services, which are commonly known as the “Horizontal” Air Services Agreement, reported Xinhua.

Civil Aviation Ministry Secretary Ranjith de Silva and EU Ambassador to Sri Lanka Bernard Savage signed the agreement at the external affairs ministry.

The EU has made similar agreements with other countries in the region including India.

The Horizontal Agreement will bring certain provisions of bilateral air services agreements signed between Sri Lanka and EU member states in line with the prevailing EU law.

“While the agreement will open a new chapter in the history of aviation relations between Sri Lanka and the EU, it will also enhance overall cooperation between Sri Lanka and the EU,” the statement said.

This agreement will also strengthen the bilateral platform of existing air services agreements between Sri Lanka and EU member states and will facilitate future discussions on air services with EU states, with which Sri Lanka does not have an aviation relationship.

It will enable Sri Lankan Airlines, the country’s national carrier, to expand its services to destinations worldwide, including to EU countries, said the statement.

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