Visit of S.Lavrov to Sri Lanka
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. |
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| Two agreements were also signed between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation – one was on the ‘Cooperation to Suppress Illicit Traffic in and Abuse of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances”, signed at the President’s House and the second one (MoU) on the “Prevention of Natural Disasters and Mitigation of their Consequences” signed at the Foreign Ministry. The first one was signed by the two Foreign Ministers, while the second agreement was signed by the Russian Ambassador in Sri Lanka Vladimir P. Mikhailov and Acting Secretary of the Disaster Management and Human Rights Ministry G.D.K. Amarawardena. During the discussions, Foreign Minister Bogollagama conveyed the appreciation of the Government of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation for the unstinted support during Sri Lanka’s fight against terrorism. The Foreign Minister stated that the Russian Federation had, throughout Sri Lanka’s challenge against terrorism, been one of the closest allies by being consistent with its support politically on the need to interdict and neutralize terrorist activities in Sri Lanka. He said this support was reflected not only in the condemnation of heinous terrorist acts by the LTTE but also through policy support and tangible measures. Foreign Minister Bogollagama pointed out that this was done despite the informal pressures which may have been exerted by some misguided entities in the international community against provision of such support to Sri Lanka. He also noted the Russian Federation’s assistance in addressing the post conflict challenges which includes the provision of relief items and US$500,000 through UNHCR. |
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| Foreign Minister Lavrov addressing the Sri Lankan media said that approximately 20 Russian based companies are established in Sri Lanka. He also said that Russia’s interest in oil exploration in the Mannar bay and the rehabilitation of the Sapugaskanda oil refinery in the immediate future. The expansion of economic ties between two countries with several identified trade and investment fields were also noted by the Foreign Minister. Two Foreign Ministers also discussed ways and means of implementing and improving the Air services and tourist programs between two countries. Further, they have also discussed on the aspect of economic cooperation and the possibilities of enhancing trade and economic relations while potential for the trade of products such as rubber and rubber based products, gems and jewellery, carbon, coconut and coconut based products, tea, steel, graphite, fisheries, wood based products and pharmaceutical products. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Roitha Bogollagama and Sri Lanka Ambassador to Russian Federation Udayanga Weeratunga at the press conference. Foreign Minister Bogollagama and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov discussed the process of integration in the Asia-Pacific region which both countries were focusing on and also noted the cooperative work being done in the SAARC, Asia Cooperation Dialogue Asian regional Forum and the Shanghai Cooperation. During the discussions, it was also noted that bilateral agreements on Air Services, Tourism and Mutual Legal Assistance which are currently at an advance stage of negotiations, would be ready for signature in the near future. |
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