Mangala meets Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister

Dr. Mehdi Safari, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Asia and Oceania of Iran called on Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera on November 30.

The visiting Deputy Minister expressed the interest of the Iranian Government to assist Sri Lanka in the sectors of railways, transport fisheries, power and energy. He also invited Samaraweera to visit Iran at a mutually convenient date.

Recalling the visit of former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga to Iran in November 2004, considered a milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries, the Deputy Foreign Minister reiterated that Iran wishes to further strengthen the cooperation between the two countries particularly in trade and economic areas.

Samaraweera thanked the Iranian Foreign Minister for the support and cooperation extended by the Iranian Government of Iran particularly in the aftermath of the tsunami.

Samaraweera appreciated Iran's continuing effort to help the Sri Lankan Government in various fields, and assured that both Governments will work together to promote and strengthen bilateral relations.