Russia will stand by Sri Lanka in all its efforts - Medvedev

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev assured President Mahinda Rajapaksa that Russia will stand by Sri Lanka in all its efforts.

This assurance was given when the two Presidents met at Lenexpo Hall in Vasilevsky Island, St. Petersburg yesterday.

President Rajapaksa is in Russia to attend the 15th St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

‘Both Russia and Sri Lanka have equally suffered from terrorism and are aware of the pain and destruction caused by it,’ Russian President Medvedev said.

President Rajapaksa thanked Russia for the assistance given to usher sustainable peace in Sri Lanka and for its fullest cooperation to develop the country.

The two leaders also discussed ways and means of improving trade and investment between the two countries.

On the development of investment opportunities, President Rajapaksa invited Russian investors to take advantage of the potential that prevails in Sri Lanka as a destination for investment in the region.

President Medvedev said he looks forward to visit Sri Lanka with his Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov who is fluent in Sinhala.

Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov, External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris, Senior Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga were also present.

Meanwhile, the meeting of the heads of state of St Petersburg International Economic Forum commenced yesterday morning at the Lenexpo Conference Hall in Vasilevky Island by the side of River Neva.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa who participated at this meeting as an observer, had discussions with several Heads of State.

Among others who had discussions with President Rajapaksa were Belgium’s Caretaker Prime Minister Yves Leterme, Prime Minister of Spain Joes Luis Rodrigues Zapatero and the President of Finland Tarja Halonen. Republic of Russia Economic Development Minister and Summit Organization Committee chairperson Elvira Nabiullina delivering the welcome speech, explained matters related to the global economic development and its trend, international economic relations and the future programmes of Russia in its capacity as the sixth largest global economy.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev addressing the summit said that Russia would extend its utmost contribution to the summit in achieving global economic development.

He stressed that Russia would join hands with the international community throughout the next decade in alleviating the economic and social standard of the people of Russia.

President Hu Jintao also addressed the summit.