Robert Blake calls on President

United States Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia and Central Asia, Robert O. Blake paid a courtesy call on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the President's House last morning (July 21). He was accompanied by US Ambassador Patricia Butenis.

President Rajapaksa and Blake exchanged views on bilateral relations during the breakfast meeting. External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris, Secretary to the President, Lalith Weerathunga and Treasury Secretary Dr P B Jayasundara also participated in the discussions. The two sides examined ways and means of further strengthening bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the United States and identified several areas for the expansion of bilateral cooperation. The US Assistant Secretary offered to increase training facilities for Sri Lankan officials and others in the United States.

Blake is scheduled to hold further discussions with Minister of External Affairs, Prof Peiris and other officials during his visit.