President held discussions with Prof. Mikhail Myasnikovich, Prime Minister
26th August 2013
Rajapaksa then met and held discussions with H.E. Prof. Mikhail Myasnikovich, the Prime Minister of Belarus at the Council of Ministers in Minsk.
I thank you for the most cordial welcome the government of Belarus accorded to me and my delegation as well as for the generous hospitality extended. There is much potential to expand bilateral economic ties between our two countries. I look forward to close cooperation and continued engagement with you and in this context. With the end of an almost 30-year long terrorist conflict, Sri Lanka has made considerable progress in addressing the resultant challenges and recorded impressive economic development. Whilst my Government has focused on the development of infrastructure and improvement of the livelihoods, particularly of the conflict affected people, the stable and peaceful environment in all parts of the country has resulted in the flow of more foreign direct investment, increased trade and a significant growth in the tourism industry. In the last few years, we have sustained 7% annual growth rate and the economy of the former theatre of conflict, particularly the Northern Province grew last year by 22%.
Mikhail Myasnikovich, you and I will jointly chair the Business Forum and I appreciate your consent to co-chair, which I believe will be a fitting beginning to enhanced economic cooperation. I have brought with me a high level delegation from our business community and most of them have a very strong interest in looking for opportunities to enter into joint ventures and seeking prospects for export to your market.
Hon.Prime Minister, during my meeting with President Lukashenko, I have discussed a range of issues concerning the strengthening of our bilateral ties. We have discussed measures to further strengthen economic, educational and scientific cooperation. I am confident that you will support our endeavours to strengthen and further enhance our bilateral ties and encourage people to people contacts as a means of building long lasting friendship between our two countries. I believe with your past experience as Chairman of the State Economy and Planning Committee and President of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus you have a lot to offer in this regard.
