President's visit a boost for Lanka-Iran ties:
Enhanced Iranian aid for Lanka's development
Rohan Mathes in Tehran, Iran
President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday held wide ranging bilateral
talks with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad in Tehran yesterday,
soon after arriving in Iran on a three-day State visit.
The President, who arrived by a special flight, was greeted on
arrival by President Ahmedinejad and accorded a Guard of Honour.
Soon afterwards, the two leaders began bilateral talks which focused
on economic, political and social issues affecting the two countries.
They stressed the need to strengthen the traditional friendship between
the two nations.
The two leaders also discussed the possibility of granting Iranian
assistance to the oil refinery project, Uma Oya project and the
development of railways and transport. Tourism cooperation was also
discussed. They also discussed the bilateral pacts due to be signed by
the two countries on economic cooperation.
It was also pointed out that more Ceylon Tea could be exported to
Iran, one of the leading buyers of Lankan teas.
The Iranian President pledged his fullest cooperation to Sri lanka's
development drive.
President Rajapaksa expressed his gratitude to the Iranian President
for Iran's assistance during and after the tsunami tragedy. He recalled
that emergency assistance was followed by long-term assistance to
rehabilitate tsunami-stricken areas.
Referring to the conflict in Sri Lanka, the President told the
Iranian leader that a group of terrorists were engaged in
anti-democratic acts in a part of the country, including recruiting
child soldiers. This has impeded development activities in the country,
especially the North-East.
He apprised President Ahmadinejad on the peace efforts of the
Government.
The President was due to address a Sri Lanka investment seminar in
Tehran. A delegation of senior ministers including Petroleum Minister
A.H.M. Fowzie and senior officials are accompanying the President. |