Foreign Ministers sign political consultation pact

Rafik Jalaldeen

A bilateral relationship on Political Consultation was signed between Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and his Iranian counterpart Manouchechr Mottaki yesterday.

Foreign Minister Bogollagama said following directions of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, a bilateral relationship between Iran and Sri Lanka was signed on Political consultation. "We share many areas of interest in both countries. Meeting with Iran Foreign Minister Mottaki we have discussed many areas, especially Iran's participation as an observer at the SAARC summit ways of meeting the challenge of terrorism in local and international arena", he added.

Minister Bogollagama emphasised that Iran and Sri Lanka share common values and purposes in the Asian region. "As we are two great nations in the region, we have common purposes and we also share resources that we have in Asia. The relationship between the two countries are on going and is a continuing process", he added.

During the meeting the Foreign Ministers had discussed developments on the international scene . "We also discussed present crisis in Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine and Afghanistan", Minister Bogollagama said.

Foreign Minister Mottaki said meeting with his Sri Lankan counterpart was fruitful and they had discussed many areas of relationship between the two countries." It was a very historical State visit and opening a new page between the two countries.

During the meeting with Minister Bogallogama, we have discussed wide areas of interest more importantly economic ties between two nations. A bilateral relationship on political consultation was signed between the two countries at this meeting", Minister Mottaki said.

He pointed out that Deputy Foreign Ministers of Iran and Sri Lanka will meet on a regular basis to observe the process of political consultation. "There will be a mechanism to focus on progress pertaining to the three important projects funded by the Iranian Government. There will also be a mechanism to oversee technical cooperation", he added.

Foreign Minister Mottaki reiterated his country's continuing support to Sri Lanka and strengthening of ties.

He also thanked Foreign Minister Bogollagama for having fruitful discussions on various issues and for the hospitality extended.

Minister Bogollagama said the participation of a Sri Lankan delegation at the forthcoming Joint Economic Commission meeting which will be held in Iran in June will further strengthen bilateral relationship between Iran and Sri Lanka.