Joint Communiqué: Russia and Sri Lanka



(January 24, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) In accordance with the Protocol on Inter- Ministerial joint consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, Dr. Palitha T.B. Kohona, held a series of political consultations with the Director of the Asian Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Mr. Alexander G Maryasov on January 15, 2009.

The discussion covered matters of mutual interest including the current global and regional developments and further demonstrated the close cooperation which exists between the two countries. A wide range of issues pertaining to the bilateral relations, which included the status of cooperation between Sri Lanka and Russia in economic, commercial, educational and cultural fields were discussed. Both sides agreed to work towards the early finalization of the bilateral agreements, which are under negotiation.

The two sides reiterated their firm commitment to the global fight against terrorism and agreed to enhance interaction in multilateral fora in this regard. It was decided in principle to work towards increasing high level visits between the two countries culminating at the highest level.


Mr. Maryasov paid a courtesy call on Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hussein A. Bhaila, who while expressing satisfaction with the existing level of bilateral relations, emphasized the importance of further enhancing economic and trade ties between the two countries. - Sri Lanka Guardian