First Round of the Political Consultations between the Iran and Sri Lanka

(February 11, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Establishment of the Political Consultations Mechanism signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the first round of the Political Consultations was held on 05 February 2009, in Colombo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The objective of the MoU is to hold regular Consultations between the two Ministries, in matters of mutual interest, in the political, economic and cultural domain and to oversee the implementation of the bilateral agreements signed between the two countries. Mrs. Chittranganee Wagiswara, Additional Secretary of the Political Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs led the Sri Lankan delegation and Mr. M.A. Ghanezadeh Ezabadei, Director General of the West Asia Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran led the Iranian delegation which also included the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran HE Mr. Mahmoud Rahimi Gorji.

Both sides noted with satisfaction the close relations maintained at the highest level with the visit to Iran by His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in November 2007 and, the visit of HE Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of Iran to Sri Lanka in April 2008, and, agreed to pave the way for further enhancement of the relations.

The talks were held in a cordial atmosphere. The two sides reviewed the progress made in the bilateral political, economic and cultural spheres and discussed measures to strengthen and enhance the existing links between both sides. They agreed to facilitate and expedite the ratification and implementation of the bilateral agreements signed between the two countries. At the consultations the two sides also reviewed the progress made in the implementation of projects under the MoUs and Agreements, signed between the two countries and made necessary recommendations for the expeditious execution of those projects and programmes. They also discussed and agreed to establish links between institutes for political and international studies in the two countries.

The discussion also covered matters on global and regional issues and developments, and, the strengthening of cooperation and reciprocal support in multilateral fora and reiterated their firm commitment in strengthening ties to face the challenges in the twenty-first century. They condemned terrorism in all its manifestations and reaffirmed their commitment to combat terrorism. The two sides noted with satisfaction the out come of the meeting and decided that the next meeting would be held in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Mr. M.A. Ghanezadeh Ezabadei, Director General of the West Asia Division also paid courtesy calls on Speaker of the Parliament, Hon. Rohitha Bogollagama Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. A H M Fowzie Minister of Petroleum and Hon. Hussein Bhaila Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. Mr. M.A. Ghanezadeh Ezabadei expressed his sincere thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka for holding the first Political Consultations and for the hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their visit to Sri Lanka.

-Sri Lanka Guardian