Israeli Officials visit to Sri Lanka

Israel donates a consignment of medical equipment for IDPs

(June 20, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The Deputy Director General of the Foreign Ministry of Israel Ms. Ruth Kahanoff, who was on a working visit to Sri Lanka from 18-19 June, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama and had bilateral talks with Foreign Secretary, Dr. Palitha Kohona at the Foreign Ministry yesterday.

The Foreign Minister and Foreign Secretary thanked Israel for its consistent support to the Government of Sri Lanka in its efforts towards eradicating terrorism in the country. With the defeat of the LTTE by the Sri Lankan Security Forces, the Foreign Minister said that, a new era has dawned for Sri Lanka under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to promote national integration and economic development.

The Minister further said the two countries should work together to further strengthen the good relations that exist between the two countries for their mutual benefit.

The visiting Israeli Official donated a consignment of medical supplies as a gesture of goodwill, for the use of IDPs in the Vanni.

At the bilateral talks, which was chaired by Foreign Secretary Kohona, in addition to officials from the Foreign Ministry, officials from the Ministries of Agriculture, Tourism and Investment Promotion were associated with the discussions.

Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona, recalled the excellent cooperation extended to the Government of Sri Lanka by Israel in the areas of defence, agricultural development, water management, health, labour, tourism, culture and sports. There would be greater focus on new areas where there was potential, which were identified for greater cooperation, especially in the areas of agriculture and tourism.

The two sides also discussed regional and international issues of interest to both sides.

Deputy Director General Kahanoff complimented Sri Lanka on its victory over terrorism and expressed the view that it was time that Sri Lanka and Israel further expanded their bilateral cooperation that is beneficial to both countries.

During her visit she also paid courtesy calls on Hemakumara Nanayakkara, Minister of Agriculture, Mahinda Bandusena, Secretary to the Prime Minister, and George Michael, Secretary of Tourism.

The visiting Israeli Deputy Director General was accompanied by Mr. Eliav Belotsercovsky, Deputy Chief of Mission in the Embassy of Israel in New Delhi.

-Sri Lanka Guardian