Nov 16, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government in a move to increase diplomatic relations with the African nations has established diplomatic relations with the West African nation Burkina Faso.

The Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of Burkina Faso decided to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries with effect from 15th November 2012, the External Affairs Ministry said today in a release.

Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to India Prasad Kariyawasam signed the agreement to establish diplomatic relations with the Ambassador of Burkina Faso to India Idriss Raoua Ouedraogo, on 15th November 2012 in New Delhi.

"The establishment of diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and Burkina Faso would enhance the existing friendly relations and cooperation in the political, socio-economic and cultural fields for the mutual benefit of the two peoples," the Ministry said.

Sri Lanka Cabinet in July this year approved establishing diplomatic relations with Mauritania, Malawi , Burkina Faso, Chad, Djibouti, Central African Republic, Gabonese Republic, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Cape Verde, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Niger.