Iran, Lanka to explore oil and gas deal

Yesterday's talks between President Mahinda Rajapakse and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Dr. Mehdi Safari centred on how Iran could provide petroleum and gas on a concessionary basis to Sri Lanka.

Iran is one of the world's leading producers of oil and gas. Sri Lanka spends billions of dollars on petroleum imports and concessions will help ease the import bill.

The talks also focused on providing further assistance in navigation, telecommunications, culture, internal air transport and tourism. They both agreed to collaborate in higher & university education. While extending warm wishes and congratulations to the President for his election as the Head of State, the Deputy Foreign Minister dwelt the on strong ties between Iran and Sri Lanka.

President Rajapakse reminded the Iranian Deputy Minister with gratitude that Iran was one of the first countries that helped tsunami-hit Sri Lanka. They shared views on bilateral issues and on strengthening economic relations. They also discussed the ceasefire agreement and the peace process.

Iran and Sri Lanka established diplomatic ties in 1962. Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga visited Iran recently, where several bilateral agreements were signed.