Minister G.L. Peiris Holds Bilateral Discussions with Minister Sergey Lavrov
23rd May 2012
Minister of External Affairs of Sri Lanka Hon. Prof. G.L. Peiris visited Russia on 23rd May on an invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. During the official discussions on 23 May at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, both parties congratulated on the completion of 55 successful years of diplomatic relations.
Welcoming Minister Peiris to Russia, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation H.E. Sergey Lavrov observed that the relationship between the two countries is going in the right direction. Referring to the visit of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Russia on two occasions in 2010 and 2011 respectively as well as regular exchanges between the countries; Minister Lavrov mentioned that the Sri Lanka and Russia share extensive relations on an array of spheres.
Two sides discussed a broad range of issues on bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Referring to the legal framework of the relationship Minister Lavrov mentioned the signing of the agreements on cooperation between Prosecutor General’s Office of Russia and Attorney General’s Department of Sri Lanka and on Civil Aviation recently. Both Ministers discussed the pending bilateral agreements and agreed to take necessary action for early signing of these agreements.
Both sides noted the satisfactory nature of the economic relations between Sri Lanka and Russia. Commenting on the resumption of regular flights between Moscow and Colombo Minister Lavrov said that tourism cooperation is going well.
Minister Peiris took the opportunity to thank Minister Lavrov for annual grant scholarships by the Government of the Russian Federation, which has been increased to 35. He also referred to the scholarships offered to Russian citizens by the Sri Lankan Government which was highly appreciated by Minister Lavrov.
Speaking of the excellent understanding both countries have on a range of multilateral issues, Minister Lavrov assured continuous support to Sri Lanka internationally. In response Minister Peiris thanked his Russian counterpart for his country’s continued support to Sri Lanka on human rights issues. He stressed the importance of home grown solutions as the public could relate to these.
Speaking of LLRC Minister Peiris said that the report was presented in parliament and that the recommendations of the report would be implemented in a structured manner. Minister Peiris also explained Minister Lavrov about the present political situation in Sri Lanka as well as the initiatives of the government for early implementation of the LLRC recommendations.
On regional cooperation Minister Lavrov confirmed Russian support for Sri Lanka to become an observer of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The two sides also discussed the Asian Cooperation Dialogue and SAARC.
In conclusion Minister Peiris invited Minister Lavrov to visit Sri Lanka and witness the developments in Sri Lanka first hand.
A joint press conference took place following the discussions.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation H.E. Udayanga Weeratunga, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs of Sri Lanka Madam Kshenuka Senewiratne, and senior diplomatic officials of the Embassy joined Minister Peiris during the discussions.
