Iranian Supreme Leader acknowledges trade between Iran and Sri Lanka below potential

President Maithripala Sirisena with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

President Maithripala Sirisena and his delegation met with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday in Teheran.

During the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei, pointing to the cultural and historical relations between the two countries, and with the countries of the subcontinent, acknowledged that the level of trade between Iran and Sri Lanka is much less than the two nations’ potentials.

He further stressed that Asian countries need to cooperate and work more together, as it would empower them.

Ayatollah Khamenei, noting that Iran’s scientific, technological, and research advances as a proper ground for extending cooperation between the two countries, told the Sri Lankan President and his delegation that Sri Lanka should implement the agreements signed during the President’s visit.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran looks forward to expanding the existing friendship and cooperation with your government and nation; and in this regard, the contracts which were signed between the two countries today, must be earnestly followed up and implemented,” Ayatollah Khamenei commented.

Sri Lanka’s President called Iran ‘one of the most advanced countries in the areas of technology, science, and universities’, and expressed hope for Sri Lanka to be able to profit from Iran’s scientific advances, as a result of increasing cooperation.

Extending warm greetings of his Government and nation to the Supreme Iranian Leader, the President said: “During our talks today, we decided to multiply cooperation and activities between our countries, and implement the agreements signed between Iranian and Sri Lankan officials.”

Iranian President Hashmi Rouhani also attended the meeting.