Japan FM says will continue to work with Sri Lanka as a partner

Wednesday, 4 July 2012 01:17 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Japan appreciates the progress made by Sri Lanka in many sectors of national life since the end of the conflict, and stands ready to work closely with Sri Lanka in addressing the tasks that lie ahead, Mr. Koichiro Gemba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, said in Tokyo on Monday.

Japan’s Foreign Minister made these comments at a bilateral meeting he had with Professor G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo.

Minister Peiris provided his Japanese counterpart with a detailed account of current developments in Sri Lanka in respect of all aspects of revival of the economy and the continuing reconciliation process. He thanked the government of Japan for its consistent support of Sri Lanka during the sixty years of diplomatic relations.

Japan’s Foreign Minister referred to the scope available at present forco-operation between the two countries in such areas as tourism, with tourism from Japan having increased by 45% last year, maritime security, solar power projects, and digital broadcasting.

The two Ministers discussed in detail specific programs of collaboration to cement an already strong relationship, with Japan’s Foreign Minister assuring his colleague of the resolve of his government to work with Sri Lanka in a spirit of sustained partnership.

Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba expressed his warm thanks to Minister Peiris for his acceptance of the invitation by the Government of Japan to deliver a keynote address at the international conference on Disaster Reduction and Management at Tohoku.

Admiral[Rtd.] Wasantha Karannagoda, Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Japan, was associated with Prof. Peiris at the bilateral discussions.