Russia pledges to enhance economic cooperation

• President Putin extends fullest support to President Sirisena’s policies during visit 

Sri Lanka and Russia pledged to enhance long-term economic cooperation and build a strong foundation to take bilateral relations to a new high, the President’s media division said in a statement yesterday. 

These sentiments were expressed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Maithripala Sirisena during their historic meeting at the Green Room of the Kremlin on Thursday. When President Maithripala Sirisena arrived at the Kremlin, he was warmly received by President Putin. The two presidents, referring to the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Russia, agreed to take effective steps to ensure strong bilateral relations between the two countries. 

The President, recalling his last meeting with the Russian President in Goa last year, thanked him for extending the invitation for a state visit and ensuring support for economic development in Sri Lanka as well as for Russia’s enormous support at international forums. President Sirisena said that he was proud to mention the fact that the founder of his party S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike established diplomatic relations with Russia, then known as the Soviet Union.

President Maithripala Sirisena shakes hands with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow – Reuters 

President Sirisena and President Putin discussed the ways and means of furthering bilateral relations. Several new agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) are to be signed, expanding bilateral cooperation in several fields such as fisheries, education, technology and culture.

The visit is expected to further strengthen friendship and cooperation and enhance bilateral trade between Russia and Sri Lanka.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera and Ambassador Saman Weerasinghe also participated in the discussions.

Following the bilateral discussions, President Putin hosted a luncheon in honour of the visit of President Sirisena and the delegation. Science and Technology Research Minister Susil Premajayantha, Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs Minister John Amaratunga, Skills Development and Vocational Training Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe, Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs Minister S.B. Navinna, Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara and Deputy Minister of Tourism Arundika Fernando were also present.