Russia assures support for Lanka
Lakshmi de Silva
Sri Lanka was capable to face any international pressure on alleged
war crimes or any other problems as it had a proper judicial system and
the Russian government had always supported the Sri Lankan government to
protect its national integrity. We supported Sri Lanka to fight against
terrorism and to bring peace, visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei
V. Lavrov said at a press conference held at the Foreign Ministry
yesterday.
This was the first occasion a Russian Foreign Minister visited Sri
Lanka during the history of 52 years of diplomatic ties between Russia
and Sri Lanka relations.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said both countries had strengthened
the mutual relations and friendship and had discussed bilateral issues
on economic, investment, trade, tourism, illicit traffic of narcotics
and drugs as well as urgent international issues.
Russia also would continue to assist practically in the de-mining
process by sending a team of de-mining experts and humanitarian
assistance, the visiting Foreign Minister said.
Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said Sri Lanka was grateful for
the cooperation and support given by Russia in the international forums
and both countries held discussions on vital international issues.
Russia remained a friend to our country and we expect to strengthen
the existing ties in the fields of economic, trade cooperation,
investment, oil explorations, cultural, sports and international
relations. An agreement on cooperation to suppress illicit traffic in
and abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances was signed at
the Foreign Ministry Colombo yesterday by the Russian Ambassador and
officials of the Disaster Management and Human Rights Ministry. |