Bilateral talks with Minister Prof G L Peiris in Prague :

Czech Republic praises progress

External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris met with his Czech counterpart Czech Republic Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Karel Schwarzenberg at the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Prague on March 28.

Minister Schwarzenberg highlighted that he is pleased about the return of peace and stability to Sri Lanka.

Schwarzenberg was also of the view that it was therefore appropriate to renew economic, trade and political contacts between the two countries.

In this regard, the signing of the Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement during Minister Peiris' visit was a welcome development.

Prof Peiris also explained the ongoing process of reconciliation and the political talks currently underway.

Simultaneously Sri Lanka was engaged in an extensive program of reconstruction and infrastructure development in order to enhance future economic development and growth.

This process was already showing positive results, including a growth rate of eight percent.

The Minister stated that Czech expertise in infrastructure, power and waste management sectors among others could positively contribute to this process, while trade between the two countries could also be enhanced.

Both Ministers agreed that it was an opportune moment to renew the process of political consultations between the two countries.

It was agreed that Deputy Foreign Minister level consultations would be held in June this year.

A trade delegation led by the Czech Republic Environment Minister will visit Sri Lanka in April this year. The two sides also discussed current issues of global and regional relevance.

Minister Peiris also met with the Czech Republic First Deputy Defence Minister Jiri Sedivy at the Czech Republic Defence Ministry.

Minister Sedivy welcomed the end of terrorism in Sri Lanka and was of the view that both Sri Lanka and the Czech Republic had successfully managed major internal transformations in recent years.

Sri Lanka's post-conflict progress was impressive resulting in a positive outlook for the country.

Minister Peiris informed the Czech Minister about the challenges still posed internationally by the remnants of the LTTE including in Europe.

"This was a threat not only for Sri Lanka, but also for the security of Europe as recognized by Europol," he said.

He urged European countries to remain vigilant regarding LTTE activities in their territories.