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| Thursday, 25 November 2004 |
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by a Special Correspondent Iranian President Mohammed Khatami said yesterday that Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga's visit to Iran at the present juncture was of significance not only to the two countries but, also to Asia as a whole. In the course of bilateral discussion between the two Heads of States yesterday morning, President Khatami further said that President Kumaratunga's historical visit at a crucial moment of influences affecting the region, envisages peace in the region and the promoting of relations to strengthen the economic and social ties between the two countries. The Iranian Leader also stressed the need to curb terrorism in the region. President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga recounting the progress of bilateral relations since the inception of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1962, stated that the new height of relationship achieved already were extremely encouraging and that there cannot be any problem between the two countries that cannot be resolved. Referring to the arrangement to supply petroleum without a bank guarantee she stated that this was a great relief at a time Sri Lanka is facing a serious economic crisis and added that in the course of her visit she was due to sign five Memoranda of Understanding between Sri Lanka and Iran promoting commercial and economic relations. Supply of petroleum from Iran under concessionary terms become all the more important because Sri Lanka depends on Iran for 70 per cent of her Petroleum imports. The Trade Pact between Iran and Sri Lanka is almost complete on basic principles except for two or three issues which have yet to be agreed upon, she said. President Kumaratunga briefed the Iranian Leader on the latest situation in the peace process in Sri Lanka. President Khatami wished the peace process in Sri Lanka early success. She also referred to certain other facets of relationship that have to be further developed between the two countries among which she emphasised the need to develop tourism and aviation. She said that avenues of attracting more tourists from Iran and the bilateral Aviation Pact between Iran and Sri Lanka must be implemented immediately allowing more frequency of flights. An exchange programme of professionals and artistes must be given priority by the Ministries of Cultural Affairs of both countries, she said. The two countries agreed to cooperate in matters involving international organizations such as the UN and to support the candidature of each other when competing for international posts. They stressed the need to strengthen the Non-Aligned Movement. President Kumaratunga as well as President Khatami expressed the same view pertaining to geographical and political co-existence and the importance of protecting peace within the maritime zone of the of the Indian Ocean. President Kumaratunga yesterday called on Iranian spiritual leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei. Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar and Power and Energy Minister Susil Premajayantha accompanied the President. Sri Lankan President accompanied by the Iranian President was accorded a Guard of honour by the three Armed Forces at the Iranian Islamic Republic Mansion Complex. President Khatami hosted President Kumaratunga to a state banquet last night. |
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