President Mahinda Rajapaksa has condemned the practice of certain countries for using the UN Human Rights Council against countries like Sri Lanka and Belarus, the President’s office said.

The President, who is in Belarus, briefed Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko on the current visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay to Sri Lanka, it said.

The meeting was held at the official residence of President Lukashenko on Monday afternoon. Sri Lanka and Belarus agreed to enhance cooperation in a number of sectors, including economic, trade, investment, education and technology,

“No country can maintain development without peace or peace without development,” President Rajapaksa said.

President Rajapaksa also explained that after defeating terrorism, Sri Lanka has been able to achieve rapid economic progress.

Following the one-on-one talks between the two heads-of-state, the delegations of the two countries began their bilateral discussions at the President’s residence. During these discussions, President Lukashenko said that the principles of the Government of Belarus are based on social welfare and noted the importance of other countries to follow similar standards. Based on this belief, President Lukashenko said Belarus will be committed to enhancing relations with Sri Lanka in the areas of economic, trade and social sectors. Furthermore, while describing Belarus’ interest in entering joint ventures with Sri Lanka, President Lukashenko said Belarus would assist Sri Lanka in the area of technical development, including the automobile sector.

President Lukashenko expressed the importance of strengthening military and security cooperation between the two countries.

While commending the able leadership of President Lukashenko, President Rajapaksa noted that he is the first Sri Lankan leader to visit Belarus.

President Rajapaksa also requested Belarus to support Sri Lanka’s bid to obtain observer status at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Before conclusion of the bilateral discussion, President Rajapaksa extended an invitation to President Lukashenko to visit Sri Lanka, which he accepted.