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Norway to increase trade ties with Lanka

04 Nov 2011 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Norway has decided to replace its traditional development co-operation with Sri Lanka by increasing trade and commercial relations, officials said today.

In response to a question by the Daily Mirror with regard to the evolution of diplomatic co-operation between the two countries in the post-war period, Norwegian Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission Jon O. Brødholt said Norway was keen to cooperate with Sri Lanka on business matters.

He said Norway supported resettlement, reconciliation and recovery efforts by the Sri Lankan government.

“Our bilateral relationship is strong. In the future, traditional development cooperation will decrease and will be replaced by increasing trade and commercial cooperation. There is much interest in Norway for business cooperation with Sri Lanka,” he said.

When asked about the recent visit of two senior Sri Lankan Ministers to Norway, he said the two ministers met Norwegian Environment and International Development Minister Erik Solheim and Foreign Affairs Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

“The agenda for the meeting was broad. Norway confirmed its support to the development process in the country as well as our support to the efforts to bring forth a political solution and genuine reconciliation,” he said.

In this case, the Deputy Chief of Mission said the Lessons Leant and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) is a great opportunity to address the issues concerned and responding to a question about the listing of the LTTE as a terror group, he said Norway adhered to the United Nations list.

He said at the recent meeting with the Lankan ministers, the Norwegian ministers stressed that the government of Norway would not allow illegal activities or breach of Norwegian law on own its soil.

He scotched speculation that there were plans by Minister Eric Solheim to visit Sri Lanka soon.

Mr. Solheim was the peace mediator between the government of Sri Lanka and the LTTE during the 2002-2004 United National Party (UNP) government and acted as the facilitator for the Geneva talks between the government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the LTTE in 2006. (Kelum Bandara)

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Norway to increase trade ties with Lanka

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