President emphasises need for economic cooperation between friendly countries

President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday said countries with close relations must strengthen economic cooperation to ensure solid long-term bilateral ties. 

He made this observation when three new ambassadors presented their credentials to him at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday.

The envoys comprised the Ambassador of Estonia Riho Kruuv, Ambassador of Peru Jorge Juan Castaneda Mendez and the Ambassador of Thailand Chulamanee Chartsuwan.

President Sirisena pointed out that Sri Lanka wants to have strong economic and investment relations with friendly countries. The President, referring to close bilateral relations with Sri Lanka and the countries represented by the new envoys, expressed confidence that they would strive to further strengthen bilateral friendship and cooperation in many areas including trade, investment and tourism.

While the Ambassador of Thailand will be based in Colombo, the other two envoys will function as non-resident concurrently accredited ambassadors residing in New Delhi.

Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana, Secretary to the President Austin Fernando and Foreign Secretary Prasad Kariyawasam were also present at the occasion.