SL, Japan discuss boost for bilateral ties, regional stability

Monday, 31 July 2023 00:11 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Govt. says debt restructuring support, infrastructure projects, and high-tech investment opportunities among key topics during high-level talks between President Wickremesinghe and Japanese Foreign Minister

Sri Lanka and Japan on Saturday discussed measures to boost bilateral ties and stability in the region.

Issues of bilateral and regional interests were discussed during the two-day visit of Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi.

During a courtesy call on President Ranil Wickremesinghe the two dignitaries engaged in discussions concerning the bilateral relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka, with a mutual commitment to further strengthen their traditionally robust ties.

President Media said Wickremesinghe expressed his gratitude to the Japanese Government for their support in the debt restructuring process and shared details of French President Emmanuel Macron›s offer, aiming to play a pivotal role in enhancing the common platform for debt restructuring and expediting the process.

Another significant aspect of their talks revolved around key areas of cooperation, namely the Light Rail Transit (LRT), the East Terminal, the Kandy Development Plan, Central Highway, and the expansion of the Bandaranaike International Airport. Both parties expressed the importance of expediting the implementation of these projects.

Additionally, they delved into bilateral, regional, and global issues, emphasising their shared commitment to maintaining the region as a peaceful and stable area. President Wickremesinghe also highlighted the investment opportunities in Sri Lanka›s high-tech industries, envisioning a transformation from a labour market-oriented economy to one that caters to cutting-edge technological advancements. This strategic move is expected to present significant prospects for Japanese investors.

During his two day stay Yoshimasa also held talks with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, and his Sri Lankan counterpart, Minister Ali Sabry.

Accompanying Yoshimasa for these discussions were esteemed Japanese officials, including the Senior Foreign Policy Coordinator Murakami Manabu, Director General of Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs Arima Yutaka, Director General of International Cooperation Endo Kazuya, and the Japanese Foreign Ministry’s Deputy Press Secretary Okano Yukiko. Additionally, present at the talks were Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka Hideaki Mizukoshi, Executive Assistant to the Minister Tomosaburo Esaki, Director of the Southwest Asian Affairs Division Taro Tsutsumi and a delegation of Japanese Foreign Ministry officials.

The Sri Lankan delegation included Senior Advisor to the President on National security and Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane, Economic Advisor to the President Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunge.

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