Colombo: The Saudi-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association's new leadership promised on Saturday to strengthen bilateral ties by emphasising interpersonal relationships, which have benefited from the Kingdom's emphasis on tourism.

The parliamentary association, which was founded in Riyadh in 2002, seeks to improve ties between Sri Lankan lawmakers and Saudi Shoura council members in all areas of collaboration.

The association's newly elected president, Environment Minister Naseer Ahamed, told Arab News that he will concentrate on economic, political, social, and cultural issues during his term.

Also Read: Why Estonia became a model for digital transformation

"I look at the need for stronger relations in the larger context of the Middle East and South Asia region and geopolitical priorities," the speaker said. "I want to advance that," the speaker said.

Ahamed has long-standing ties to the Kingdom and is a graduate of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. He began his political career in Sri Lanka in the 1990s and has held positions as chief minister of Eastern Province, president's adviser, and a member of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress.

He was appointed in April of last year to head the Ministry of Environment and manage Middle Eastern affairs.

Also Read:  Ukrainian Eurovision contestants' hometown was struck by Russian missiles

Ahamed stated that he prioritises the value of inter-personal relationships in forging closer ties between nations.

"Our goal is to promote interpersonal relationships. Now that Saudi Arabia has opened up to tourists, this can be done more easily," he said, referring to the Kingdom's massive investment in tourism infrastructure under Vision 2030.

Before the coronavirus pandemic, a Saudi Shoura delegation last travelled to Sri Lanka in 2019.

Also Read:  Heat wave breaking records in the Pacific Northwest unusually early

Ahamed stated that he intended to increase communication among the members of the parliamentary association in order to foster fresh international partnerships. The two nations "could develop new areas of cooperation in a number of areas," he said. The association will offer the required framework for expanding cooperation to new areas of interest