First Sri Lanka-Myanmar Joint Commission meets

Myanmar: Myanmar while condemning terrorism in all its forms affirmed its unqualified support to Sri Lanka in its efforts to counter LTTE terrorism. This was transpired at the First Meeting of Joint Commission between Sri Lanka and Myanmar in Myanmar.

The Joint Commission between Sri Lanka and Myanmar's first meeting was held in Nay Pyi Taw Myanmar from July 10-11. The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Foreign Affairs Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and the Myanmar delegation was led by H.E.U. Nayan Win Foreign Affairs Minister.

The discussion between the two sides were held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere and both sides agreed to take further proactive measures to strengthen the bilateral relationship which traces its foots back over the centuries. The two sides recognised that the historical relationship based on the common faith of Theravada Buddhism has kept them close over the years.

Recognising the global threat posed by terrorism, the two sides agreed to collaborate on security matters including through information sharing on terrorism, narcotic smuggling, arms smuggling, cross border terrorism and money laundering. The two sides agreed to work towards strengthening bilateral trade, investment and tourism relations.

The Sri Lanka Delegation obtained assurances from the Myanmar side that the existing difficulties confronting Sri Lankan exporters will be addressed expeditiously.

The Sri Lanka side offered to encourage Sri Lankan enterprises to use this opportunity. The Sri Lanka Delegation affirmed the continuation of technical corporation to Myanmar in the services, hospitality and information technology sectors.

The Sri Lanka Delegation expressed its deep appreciation to the Myanmar Government for the gift of two tuskers to be used to carry the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy.

The two sides agreed to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in an appropriate manner in 2009. Sri Lanka also confirmed its invitation to the Myanmar Acting Prime Minister and a high level delegation to visit Sri Lanka during the Esala Perehara in Kandy.