Sri Lanka, June 3 -- Sri Lanka has secured the backing of Australia and New Zealand for its bid to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath announced following his official visit to Australia and New Zealand.

Speaking at the Sri Lankan High Commission in Canberra, Herath said the two countries had pledged their full support for Sri Lanka's accession to the world's largest free trade agreement, marking a significant step in the country's efforts to strengthen economic ties across the Asia-Pacific region.

RCEP comprises 15 countries, including the 10 member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as Australia, New Z...