Korean President commends Lanka’s economic growth, political stability

After successfully defeating terrorism, Sri Lanka’s economy has grown steadily and the political situation stabilised due to President Rajapaksa’s leadership, Korean President Lee Myung-bak said.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and President Mahinda Rajapaksa held a summit at the official residence of the Korean President in Seoul to discuss ways to strengthen economic and other cooperation between the two countries.

More than 20,000 Sri Lankan employees are currently contributing to the economy of South Korea and the bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and Korea would be further strengthened by the visit of President Rajapaksa, the Korean President said.

President Rajapaksa appreciated the decision to expand the Sri Lankan workforce in South Korea.

Two leaders further discussed the agreements signed between Sri Lanka and Korea. President Lee is of the view that inter-Parliamentary relations between two countries should be further enhanced. The Korean President also thanked Sri Lanka for sending a pair of elephants two years ago as a token of friendship.

President Rajapaksa proposed air connectivity to link between Buddhists in Sri Lanka and Korea. He also appreciated the assistance rendered by Korea for development activities in Sri Lanka.

The President invited Korean investors to make use of the investment opportunities available in the country and also pointed out the possibility of entering into a free trade agreement between the two countries as Sri Lanka’s exports to Korea have grown up to US$ 46 million last year.

The Korean President agreed to provide his country’s assistance to the Information Technology Park currently being built in Hambantota.

President Rajapaksa appreciated the relief work by Koice volunteer relief workers in Sri Lanka.