Final negotiations for an Air-Services Agreement with Russia
12th- 16th July 2011
An official delegation of Ministry of Civil Aviation of Sri Lanka visited Moscow on 12th to 16th July 2011 for the final negotiations to conclude a new air services agreement between Sri Lanka and Russia.
Mr. Oleg Demidov, Deputy Director of the Department of State Policy in Civil Aviation, Ministry of Transport of Russia welcomed the Sri Lankan delegation led by the Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation Mr. Ranjith De Silva on the 14th July 2011 at the Ministry of Transportation in the Russian Federation.
Whilst expressing gratitude to the Russian Government for the support extended to Sri Lanka in every sphere and to the opportunity given to have negotiations, he also said that the Sri Lankans parties are looking forward to conclude the Air Services Agreement between the two countries, along with, he stated, commencement of direct flights between the two countries would lead to strengthen of bilateral relationship on the fields of trade, tourism and investment.
The negotiations concluded with the heads of the delegations signing a Memorandum of Understanding and initialing the finalized agreement. Both parties agreed to take prompt action to complete the relevant internal procedures with a vision to sign the agreement at an early date.
H.E. Udayanga Weeratunga, Ambassador of Sri Lanka in the Russian Federation, Mr. K.V.P. Ranjith De Silva- Secretary to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Mr. G.S. Withanage, Mr. M.C.L.B. Gopallawa, Mrs. Tilanie Silva, Mr. P.P. Jayaweera, Mr. S.N. Senanayake, and diplomats from the Embassy were present at the occasion.
H.E. the Ambassador hosted a dinner for the officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Transport in Russian Federation and the Sri Lankan delegation. Mr. Ranjith De Silva said he is grateful and cherished the Ambassador and the embassy staff for the contribution shown.
