Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Hon. S.Lavrov visited Sri Lanka
26 October, 2009
Foreign Affairs Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergey V. Lavrov, arrived Sri Lanka on October 26 for a one-day visit, which led to the renewal of the 51 years long diplomatic and friendly relationship between both countries – Lanka and Russian. The Russian Foreign Minister pledged that the Russian Federation will be always on the side of Sri Lanka, if in case the international community initiate any covetous move to charge Sri Lanka on any war related crimes.
The Russian Foreign Affairs Minister’s visit was expressed as a historic moment, as it was the first ever diplomatic level visit of a Russian Foreign Minister to Sri Lanka. The Russian Foreign Minister held discussions with President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his counterpart – Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, before his departure.
Sri Lanka was capable to face any international pressure on alleged war crimes or any other problems as it had a proper judicial system and the Russian government had always supported the Sri Lankan government to protect its national integrity. We supported Sri Lanka to fight against terrorism and to bring peace, visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei V. Lavrov said at a press conference held at the Foreign Ministry.
This was the first occasion a Russian Foreign Minister visited Sri Lanka during the history of 52 years of diplomatic ties between Russia and Sri Lanka relations. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said both countries had strengthened the mutual relations and friendship and had discussed bilateral issues on economic, investment, trade, tourism, illicit traffic of narcotics and drugs as well as urgent international issues.
Russia also would continue to assist practically in the de-mining process by sending a team of de-mining experts and humanitarian assistance, the visiting Foreign Minister said.
Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said Sri Lanka was grateful for the cooperation and support given by Russia in the international forums and both countries held discussions on vital international issues.
Russia remained a friend to our country and we expect to strengthen the existing ties in the fields of economic, trade cooperation, investment, oil explorations, cultural, sports and international relations. An agreement on cooperation to suppress illicit traffic in and abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances was signed at the Foreign Ministry Colombo by the Russian Ambassador and officials of the Disaster Management and Human Rights Ministry.
