Israel donates medical equipment for IDPs

Assures further cooperation:

Deputy Director General of the Israel Foreign Ministry Ruth Kahanoff donated a consignment of medical equipment for IDPs in Vanni when she called on Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama at the Foreign Ministry last week. she also had bilateral talks with Foreign Secretary, Dr. Palitha Kohona.

The Foreign Minister and Foreign Secretary thanked Israel for its consistent support to the Sri Lankan Government in its efforts towards eradicating terrorism. With the defeat of the LTTE, a new era has dawned for Sri Lanka under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to promote national integration and economic development, the Minister said.

The Minister said the two countries should work together to further strengthen good relations between the two countries for their mutual benefit. Officials from the Foreign Ministry, Ministries of Agriculture, Tourism and Investment Promotion were also present.

Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona, recalled the excellent cooperation extended to Sri Lanka by Israel in the areas of defence, agricultural development, water management, health, labour, tourism, culture and sports. There would be greater focus on new areas where there was potential, which were identified for greater cooperation, especially in the areas of agriculture and tourism.

The two sides also discussed regional and international issues of interest to both sides.

Deputy Director General Kahanoff complimented Sri Lanka on its victory over terrorism and said it was time that Sri Lanka and Israel further expanded their bilateral cooperation that is beneficial to both countries.

She also paid courtesy calls on Hemakumara Nanayakkara, Agriculture Minister, Secretary to the Prime Minister Mahinda Bandusena and George Michael Tourism Ministry Secretary.

The Israeli Deputy Director General was accompanied by Deputy Chief of Mission in the Embassy of Israel in New Delhi Eliav Belotsercovsky.