Regional cooperation is key to overcoming regional challenges: President

Monday, 10 October 2016 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Maithripala Sirisena met Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha for bilateral discussions at the Government House of Thailand last evening. Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Harsha De Silva and Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Thailand Shenuka Senaviratne were also present during the talks - Pic by Sudath Silva

Strong regional cooperation is key to overcoming the challenges of poverty and equity, said President Maithripala Sirisena when he held bilateral discussions with Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha last evening during his working visit to attend the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) in Bangkok.

Prime Minister Chan-o-cha and his wife Paraporn Chan-o-cha welcomed President Sirisena and First Lady Jayanthi at the Government House of Thailand.

Prime Minister Chan-o-cha thanked President Sirisena for attending the ACD as increased cooperation in Asia was vital for maintaining its competitiveness and overcoming poverty. The Thai Prime Minister also thanked the President for his visit in November 2015 and for presenting sacred Buddhist relics to Thailand.

President Sirisena highlighted that bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Thailand were entrenched in the Theravada Buddhism that both countries inherited. President Sirisena appreciated the assistance Thailand provided during the natural disasters in Sri Lanka. Further, President Sirisena welcomed more cooperation in developing agricultural technology in Sri Lanka.

The Thai Prime Minister conveyed his appreciation over the Sri Lankan President’s dedication to fighting corruption and bringing about reconciliation within Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Chan-o-cha further affirmed Thailand’s willingness to assist Sri Lanka in its effort to rebuild its economy. The Thai Prime Minister said that connectivity between Thailand and Sri Lanka could further improve in terms of increased flights and that would help boost tourism in Sri Lanka.

President Maithripala Sirisena thanked the Thai Prime Minister for his hospitality and said that the importance of the ACD as a platform to bolster Asian identity was vital.

President Sirisena signed the guest book at the Government House of Thailand. After the talks, President Sirisena and First Lady Jayanthi attended a dinner hosted by the Thai Prime Minister and his wife.

Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Harsha De Silva and Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Thailand Kshenuka Seneviratne were also present during the talks.