It is reported that the Saudi Arabian government has expressed an initial agreement to provide fuel worth US$ 6 billion per year for a continuous period of 5 years under the credit basis.
Sources say that Environment Minister Nasir Ahmed, who visited Saudi Arabia as a special representative of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, received this initial agreement during a discussion made with the authorities of the country.
The discussions focused on fuel supply to Sri Lanka under a five-year loan plan.
Mr. Nasir Ahmed, who visited Saudi Arabia as a special representative of the President, has also requested the authorities of that country to invest in Sri Lanka.
Agriculture, fertilizer production, petroleum storage facilities, establishment of fuel supply points, modernization and expansion of refineries, petroleum resource opportunities and obtaining Saudi investments in Sri Lanka to promote renewable energy have been discussed there.
Minister Nasir Ahmed has held discussions with the Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, where Mr. Ahmed mentioned that President Ranil Wickremesinghe is ready to invite Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit Sri Lanka.
Mr. Ahmed also informed the Saudi authorities that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will visit Riyadh soon.
Mr. Nasir Ahmed has met with the Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia, where he has indicated that Sri Lanka’s Coir can be used for the green project in Saudi Arabia.
Mr. Ahmed has asked the Saudi Deputy Minister to be interested in those investment opportunities.
