Sri Lanka grateful for Russian support - GL
External Affairs Minister Professor G.L. Peiris hosted a farewell
dinner for ambassador of the Russian Federation Vladimir Mikhailov at
his official residence on Monday.
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External Affairs Minister Professor
G.L. Peiris greeting ambassador of the Russian Federation
Vladimir Mikhailov. |
Minister Peiris expressed to ambassador Mikhailov the warm gratitude
of the government of Sri Lanka for the consistent goodwill and support
of the Russian Federation at all times. "In particular, Sri Lanka
appreciates the strong support extended to our country by the Government
of Russia at the Human Rights Council in March this year," the minister
said.
He observed that relations between Sri Lanka and the Russian
Federation are now entering a new phase: the political relations are as
strong as they could be, and are now being further consolidated by an
emphasis on trade, investment and tourism "which have all been
identified as priorities.
The minister referred to Sri Lanka's positive discussions with the
Russian company, Gasprom, with regard to extensive co-operation in the
petroleum and gas sector and co-operation which is envisaged in the
fisheries and construction sectors. He commented on increased air
connectivity between Moscow and Colombo as an impetus to tourism and the
plans to open a branch of the Bank of Ceylon in Moscow.
Prof. Peiris also referred to Sri Lanka's interest in events
connected with Yuri Gagarin and Anton Chekhov. Ambassador Mikhailov, in
reply, paid tribute to the warmth and hospitality of the Sri Lankan
people which he had encountered in abundant measure wherever he and his
wife travelled in the country and expressed gratitude for the courtesies
and co-operation extended to him at all times by the Government of Sri
Lanka.
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