Iraq strengthens economic ties with Lanka

Iraq has taken steps to promote economic ties with Sri Lanka under an extensive program. Iraq Ambassador Kaththan Thaha Kalif disclosed this when he met Prime Minister D M Jayaratne at Visumpaya yesterday.

The Ambassador said the Iraqi Trade Minister will lead a special delegation to Colombo on October 20 to discuss arrangements to promote trade and commerce between the two countries.

Steps have also been taken to revive the Iraq-Sri Lanka joint commission and re-open the Sri Lanka mission in Baghdad. The Sri Lanka Ambassador in Lebanon was due to arrive in Baghdad to make arrangements for this purpose. Prime Minister Jayaratne said Iraq is a country rich in oil resources. The Government is prepared to make arrangements for Iraqi entrepreneurs to invest in Sri Lanka.