President returns
President Mahinda Rajapaksa returned to the island Saturday after
completing a successful three-day State visit to Ukraine.
He held bilateral discussions with Ukraine President Victor
Yanukovich and Prime Minister Mykola Azarov.
The two Presidents signed four agreements enhancing cooperation in
tourism, maritime shipping and security sectors.
They also focused on establishing a Joint Trade Commission to promote
ties in the trade sector and also invited Ukraine for oil exploration in
Sri Lanka.
The Ukrainian Prime Minister expressed interest to extend space
technology to Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister said Ukraine has a space technology exchange
program with Brazil and in the future Sri Lanka too will be involved.
President Rajapaksa also attended the Sri Lanka-Ukraine Business
Forum where he told the business delegates that Sri Lanka offers unique
advantages with its strategic location at the cross roads of both East
and West sea routes and as the point of entry to South Asia.
President Rajapaksa visited the Ukraine National Defence Academy
during his state visit and addressed the gathering. He said Sri Lanka is
a good example to the world on defeating terrorism.
“The internal problems of a country can be resolved through the
commitment and dedication of its people and Sri Lanka is a good example
in this regard,” he said. |