Leaders of Islamic countries assure support to Sri Lanka, agree to strengthen bilateral relations

Prime Minister with Minister of Finance of Indonesia Sri Mulyani Indrawati

Prime Minister with Tajikistani President Emomali Rahmon

Prime Minister with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Jawad Al-Anani

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe while attending the 12th World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) in Jakarta, Indonesia engaged in bilateral discussions with the leaders of several Islamic countries on the sidelines of the forum.

Minister of Finance of Indonesia Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Minister for Oceanic Affairs of Indonesia Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, Tajikistani President Emomali Rahmon, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Jawad Al-Anani, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Islamic Development Bank Chairman Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Ali and World Islamic Economic Forum Foundation Chairman Tun Musa Hitam had separate discussions with PM Wickremesinghe.

The bilateral discussions with the leaders of the Islamic countries were very important and they exchanged views on mutual cooperation.

During the meeting with the PM on Wednesday, Indonesian Finance Minister Indrawati said that she was ready to offer the required support in preventing the complexities and contradictions when building a nation from a low-income level country, to a middle-income country.

She noted that Indonesia faced this similar situation many years ago, and because of this experience, there would be no hesitation in offering advice to Sri Lanka. It was also particularly taken into account the importance of developing partnerships within the South Asian region.

During the meeting with the Minister for Indonesian Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Panjaitan on Tuesday, Panjaitan emphasised on the importance of promoting new connections spanning across a number of fields between Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

The two leaders further exchanged ideas regarding the ability to promote the countries within the Indian Ocean as a tourist zone, amidst the prevailing maritime issues.

They also discussed the possibility to begin direct flights between Sri Lanka and Indonesia via the Indonesian National Carrier - Garuda, as well as enabling Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims to acquire knowledge regarding the Indonesian Buddhist temples.

Meeting with Tajikistani President Emomali Rahmon, the two leaders discussed a broad range of issues related to the state and prospects of further expansion of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Sri Lanka in the areas of mutual interest.

The parties had a thorough exchange of views on establishing cooperation in the new and promising areas, such as hydropower, construction of small and medium-sized hydroelectric power plants, joint processing of mineral resources of Tajikistan, as well as on strengthening multilateral scientific and cultural ties.

They also stressed the need in joint bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the fight against international terrorism and extremism. The meeting was called an important and timely initiative to discuss issues related to the current state and prospects of development of mutually beneficial cooperation between Tajikistan and Sri Lanka.

During discussions with the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister of Jordan Dr. Jaward Al Anani said his country is ready to expand bilateral relations with Sri Lanka and will support the island nation to gain observer status of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

The discussion also focused on reaching a final decision regarding investment promotion and a defence pact. Possibility of expanding the current trade agreement between the two countries was also discussed.

Meanwhile, Chairperson of Islamic Development Bank Dr. Ahamad Mohamed Ali said his institution will extend support to Sri Lanka as soon as the country gains observer status of the organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

WIEF Chairman Tun Musa Hitam said he hopes to hold an interim session of the World Islamic Economic Forum in Sri Lanka with the participation of South Asian Countries. It would pave the way to attract number of investment opportunities as well.