President commits to strong SL-Russia relations in coming century

Monday, 27 March 2017 00:56 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President Maithripala Sirisena said his objective was a continuation of the strong friendship with Russia for the coming century while opening a new page in the 60-year-long bilateral relations between Russia and Sri Lanka.

He made these remarks while addressing the Sri Lankan community in Russia on 24 March at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Moscow.

Sri Lankan professionals from various fields in Russia, along with students and members of the business community, were also present at the occasion.

The President added that the state visit to Russia provided assurance of the clarity and strength of the international policies of the current Government.

“Some people complain that the Government and I are aligned with the West. I refute those complaints. Today all countries in the world have become friendly states of Sri Lanka due to the non-aligned foreign policy of the Government,” he said.

“This will be an era of international cooperation where Sri Lanka has come forward by a number of decades. There is no issue whether this cooperation is with the North, South or West. We are getting the required assistance for Sri Lanka through our friendship with all these countries,” the President said. He extended his gratitude for the warm welcome offered to him by President Vladimir Putin and expressed confidence over the successful bilateral discussions.

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The President recalled the assistance given by Russia to Sri Lanka and stated that the benefits received as a result of bilateral relations between the two countries would be utilised in a more comprehensive manner to build a better future for Sri Lanka.

Ministers Mangala Samaraweera, S.B. Navinna, Mahinda Samarasinghe, Susil Premajayantha, John Amaratunga, Dayasiri Jayasekara, Deputy Minister Arundika Fernando and the staff of the embassy, headed by Ambassador Dr. Saman Weerasinghe, were present at the occasion.

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