Sri Lanka's cabinet has approved a proposal to establish an embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan, and to reopen missions in Cyprus, Iraq, and Frankfurt, Germany, the government information department said on Tuesday.

The department, in its statement listing out the decisions taken by the cabinet, said it is desirable to establish a Sri Lankan embassy in Kazakhstan to further develop the existing diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry submitted the cabinet paper at the meeting held on Monday.

The department said a great opportunity has been created for Sri Lanka to connect with the Central Asian region due to the establishment of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia in Kazakhstan, of which Sri Lanka is a member.

As there is a significant increase in tourist arrivals from Kazakhstan to Sri Lanka, the establishment of a Sri Lankan embassy in Astana will help further promote tourism and cultural cooperation between the two countries, according to the department.

Besides, the cabinet also approved the reopening of the Consulate General's Office in Cyprus, the embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, and the Consulate General's Office in Frankfurt, Germany.

(Cover: People gather at a temple with their offerings as they mark the New Year in Colombo, Sri Lanka, January 1, 2024. /CFP)