SL-Russia celebrates 65 years of diplomatic ties; reaffirm stronger cooperation

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa

Russian President Vladimir Putin

Foreign Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov

Sri Lanka and Russia yesterday mark 65 years of diplomatic ties with both countries pledging to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in a congratulatory message to Russian President Vladimir Putin said the abiding friendship and vibrant relations between Sri Lanka and Russia are time-tested and mutually rewarding. “Underpinned by shared values and mutual respect, relations between our two countries have continued to flourish over the years, promising further expansion into multiple spheres of shared interest,” the President said.

“As we commemorate this historical milestone in our bilateral ties, I wish to express my fervent desire to continue to work closely with you to further consolidate and expand the existing solid partnership between our countries into new and more extensive areas of cooperation in the years ahead for the betterment of our peoples,” Rajapaksa added.

Putin in his message said Russia and Sri Lanka have accumulated considerable experience of fruitful cooperation in various spheres and constructive interaction in addressing important issues of the international agenda. “I am confident that on the basis of the already achieved results we will further comprehensively develop the Russian-Sri Lankan ties in all areas. This, undoubtedly meets the fundamental interests of our friendly peoples and is in line with ensuring the regional stability and security,” Putin added.

Foreign Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris in his message said: “As we embark on the next chapter in our friendship, it is my firm conviction that our two countries should envisage to build on these joint endeavours to further expand the existing cordial ties into new and innovative areas of collaboration for the mutual benefit of our people. I also take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for the generous and unstinted support extended by Russia to Sri Lanka in all spheres at all times.”

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said: “Our countries have been linked by close bonds of friendship and mutual respect for more than half a century. We maintain a continuous political dialogue, successfully cooperate in the UN and other international organisations, and strengthen bilateral business relations. Similar approaches to the present crucial issues create favourable conditions for strengthening cooperation in the practical spheres. We are confident that the further consistent development of the Russian-Sri Lankan relations fully meets the interests of peoples of both countries and contributes to peace and stability in Asia.”

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the two nations are bound by long-standing friendship. She said the Russian-Sri Lankan political dialogue invariably rests on equality, goodwill and respect for each other’s interests. “We cooperate productively in the international arena, in the UN and other multilateral agencies and forums. Russia has always been an important trading partner of Sri Lanka and is one of the main importers of its main export product, Ceylon tea,” she said.

“The Russian-Sri Lankan Intergovernmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation effectively contributes to the strengthening of bilateral business ties. The number of Russian tourists visiting the island nation rose after direct flights between Moscow and Colombo were resumed in July last year,” the spokeswoman said.

“As this important date approaches, we would like to wish all the best to our Sri Lankan friends and express confidence in the continued progressive development of the entire scope of bilateral ties,” she added.