Turkey dedicated to strengthening ties with Sri Lanka: Foreign Minister

Visiting Turkey Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavusoglu yesterday reiterated his country›s commitment to strengthen ties with Sri Lanka, especially in the economic sphere. 

«We are dedicated to strengthening our friendly relations and enhancing our cooperation. There is a rich potential to explore in a wide spectrum of areas, and in our meeting with Foreign Minister [Mangala] Samaraweera, we touched upon every aspect of our bilateral relations and agreed that we can further develop our economic relations,» the Turkey Foreign Minister said. «We also decided to increase our cooperation in the fields of energy, security, culture, tourism, agriculture, education and health. The humanitarian issues constitute an important part of our relations,» he added in his remarks to media after the meeting with Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera.

Sri Lanka and Turkey yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding for the cooperation on training and exchange of information and documentation. 

«We exchanged views on some regional issues, and agreed to continue discussions on these issues at the dinner that my dear friend is going to host us,» the Turkey Foreign Minister said.

In his remarks Çavusoglu also said:

“Turkey and Sri Lanka may be geographically distant countries. However, geographical distances do not prevent our cooperation in many areas and fields that you mentioned in your statement.  Sri Lanka is extending its helping hand to Syrian and Iraqi refugees in Turkey. This is very much appreciated, and it is meaningful and symbolic. Turkey stands by the people of Sri Lanka in times of natural disasters. Today,I reiterated that Turkey will continue standing with Sri Lankan people in good days and in difficult days.

“Our countries with their diverse and rich cultures are examples of living in harmony, and we welcome your government’s efforts to strengthen reconciliation in Sri Lanka. 

“Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) established a village of one hundred thousand IDPs in Sri Lanka and, as you mentioned, President of TIKA Dr. Serdar Çam is also among us. TIKA is ready to continue support in development projects and also to provide humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka. 

“Sri Lanka is located in a very strategic geographic location. Therefore, security and stability of Sri Lanka is so important for this region and beyond. I believe that my visit today will open a new phase in our bilateral relations, President Erdo an is willing to pay a state visit to Sri Lanka within this year.”