SL congratulates US Senator Kerry
2 February 2013 11:34 am
Minister of External Affairs Prof G.L.Peiris in a letter to newly appointed Secretary of State John Kerry extended his congratulations on the nomination and expressed Sri Lanka’s willingness to continue working with the US in full cooperation on matters of mutual concern.
“I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our bilateral partnership based on your understanding of the importance of our relations and the challenges Sri Lanka faces after emerging from a protracted conflict that spanned three decades,” Prof. Peiris stated.
The full letter
His Excellency John Kerry
Secretary of State
United States of America
Excellency,
I wish to extend my warm congratulations to Your Excellency, on your appointment as the Secretary of State of the United States of America. You bring to your office the wisdom and experience gained during a long and distinguished political and professional career. I am confident that your pragmatic outlook, particularly having been the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will stand in good stead in steering the foreign relations of your country in these challenging times.
I recall with pleasure that Sri Lanka has engaged your attention over the years, as borne out by the report you co-authored in December 2009 recommending a re-evaluation of the US - Sri Lanka relationship. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our bilateral partnership based on your understanding of the importance of our relations and the challenges Sri Lanka faces after emerging from a protracted conflict that spanned three decades.
Please accept, Excellency, assurances of my highest consideration and best wishes for your personal well-being and success.
Prof. G.L.Peiris, MP
Minister of External Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka