Mangala holds talks with Ethiopian President

Monday, 6 February 2017 00:42 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Minister of Foreign Affairs Mangala Samaraweera last week called on the President of Ethiopia Mulatu Teshomeat the Presidential Palace in Addis Ababa.

Foreign Minister Samaraweera highlighted Sri Lanka’s new policy of restoring friendship with traditional friends and allies, and building stronger relations with the African region, especially with Ethiopia, as it is now emerging as the ‘Diplomatic and Political Capital of Africa’ with the African Union being headquartered in Addis Ababa. This was identified by the Minister as the rationale behind the Sri Lankan Cabinet approving the opening of the new Embassy in Ethiopia.

He explained how the National Unity Government elected in 2015 has taken the country forward during the past two years based on the three pillars of democratisation, reconciliation and development. He further stated that Sri Lanka is in the process of finalising a new Constitutional draft that celebrates the diversity of Sri Lanka and emphasised that the Ethiopian Constitution will be an inspiration for Sri Lanka which too is a multi-ethnic, a multi-religious and a multi-lingual country.

Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera with Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome

President Teshome highlighted the importance of peace, stability and democratisation of society for the progress in any developing country and stated that Sri Lanka and Ethiopia could do much more to each other, considering the similarities of the two countries.

President Teshome also stated that Ethiopia could seek Sri Lankan expertise with regard to the apparel sector as the island nation has displayed the textiles and garments industry exports as one which plays a key role in advancing the country’s economy.

The invitation extended by Samaraweera for Teshom to visit Sri Lanka was warmly accepted.