Breaking News

Japan assures support to develop reconciliation in SL

20 Jun 2015 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

While lauding Sri Lanka’s effort to building a nation where diversity, openness and tolerance are cherished, Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Fumio Kishida reiterated the continued support of Japanese Government to the ongoing process of peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.

He assured the support to Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera who undertook a visit to Japan from June 17 to 20. During the visit, Minister Samaraweera paid a call on the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe.

The visit, which was the first official visit undertaken by an emissary of the new Government to Japan, focussed on further consolidating the close and friendly relations between the two countries for mutual benefit.

The discussions between the two Foreign Ministers ranged from bilateral political and economic relations, to cooperation in the multilateral fora. The two sides referred to the excellent relations between the two countries built on a solid foundation of historical and religiousties, as well as mutual understanding and friendship.

Appreciating the goodwill demonstrated by Japan towards the new Government, led by President Sirisena, and its mandate to usher in a new era of good governance, the rule of law and comprehensive national reconciliation, Minister Samaraweera briefed his counterpart as well as other interlocutors on the Government's achievements related to the '100-day Reform Programme', inclusive of establishing strong democratic institutions and adopting important constitutional reforms. Minister Samaraweera conveyed the intention of President Maithripala Sirisena to avail of the invitation extended by Prime Minister Abe to visit Japan at a mutually convenient time in the future, which was welcomed by Minister Kishida.

Informing that the new Government is in the process of making the investment climate more favorable by creating a rule based system, ensuring transparency and good governance, Foreign Minister Samaraweera encouraged more Japanese investment in Sri Lanka. He invited Japanese entrepreneurs and corporatesto look at Sri Lanka as a manufacturing and services hub, as it has become a competitive investment destination for investors looking to expand into the vast Indian subcontinent.

Considering that Sri Lanka and Japan are two maritime nations in Asia, the two Ministers agreed to continue cooperation in the maritime sphere, including that of maritime education, capacity building and training, cooperation between coastguard, as well as disaster risk reduction. (LSP)

Breaking News

Japan assures support to develop reconciliation in SL

Most Popular Articles

More arrests of lawyers, politicians and senior police officers

Former National Lotteries Board Chairperson Shyamila Perera arrested

Girl visited her lover, gang raped by lover and his friends

Updated World Test Championship standings after West Indies’ record win over Sri Lanka

Historic locomotive move between Kandy and Peradeniya without tracks

12-hour water cut in Colombo and suburbs on Saturday

Latest News

Reconstruction of damaged Kandy–Colombo railway line accelerated

LAUGFS gas slashes domestic LP gas prices

French heat wave death toll rises to 2025

Spa Association complains to IGP over alleged police action

CIABOC says Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe was in Dubai during alleged bribe transaction