New Russian Ambassador, FM call for enhanced cooperation

While Sri Lanka and Russia have traditionally shared strong bilateral relations over many years, the two countries must work towards a structured agenda with milestones to enhance these links, observed Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama when the Ambassador for the Russian Federation, Vladimir P. Mikhailov paid his first call on the Minister, on October 28, following the presentation of his credentials earlier this month. He said that with the new Ambassador taking up office, it would be appropriate to commence an agenda for cooperation which could be measured against the achievements of the envisaged milestones.

In order to deepen the existing political dialogue and elevate bilateral relations, Ambassador Mikhailov pointed out that visits at the highest level should be undertaken. Minister Bogollagama and the Ambassador resolved to ensure the practically feasible agreements in identified areas, should be finalised within three months for signature during such a visit.

The Foreign Minister emphasised the need to enhance trade ties between the two countries. Towards this end, he requested Russia to explore the possibility of reviewing the present duty structure for tea imports, in order to strengthen Sri Lanka's tea market in Russia. He suggested energy and banking sectors as areas for possible diversification of Sri Lanka's economic ties with Russia. The Minister referred to the sharing of common international platforms by the two countries citing the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

Minister Bogollagama stated that a visit from the Russian Foreign Minister to Sri Lanka is awaited and hoped that it would take place in the near future.

The Ambassador informed that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has been examining the possibility of such a visit, especially since he has warm memories of his diplomatic posting in Sri Lanka. Ambassador Mikhailov also stated that the Russian Foreign Ministry looks forward to continuing the inter-Foreign Ministerial consultations which are scheduled for next year in Colombo and it is envisaged that the Russian delegation would be led at the level of Vice-Minister.