(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held talks with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister GL Peiris in New Delhi and discussed economic and investment initiatives for strengthening Sri Lanka.
The two also discussed enhancing energy security and exchanged views on the fishermen issue.
A tweet by EAM Jaishankar said that his talks with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister GL Peiris were “productive”.
“Discussed economic and investment initiatives that will strengthen Sri Lanka at this time,” he stated on Twitter.
“Also focused on additional steps to enhance Sri Lanka’s energy security,” Jaishankar’s tweet added.
Jaishankar continued, “exchanged views on the fishermen issue and agreed that bilateral mechanisms should meet early.”
He said that both ministers “recognized the importance of greater tourism for economic recovery and also noted the importance of P2P linkages through greater connectivity.”
“We will mark 75 years of our independence and diplomatic relations in a suitable way,” he noted on Twitter.
EAM Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Peiris on the second day of his three-day visit to India that began on Sunday. Peiris will also meet Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.
As close friends and maritime neighbours, both India and Sri Lanka stand to gain from closer economic inter linkages.
Monday’s meeting between the two Foreign Ministers comes within days of the two countries signing a USD 500 million Line of Credit agreement with Sri Lanka for the purchase of petroleum products.
Last month, EAM S Jaishankar had held a virtual meeting with Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa and reviewed the progress in extending the Indian credit facility of US $ 1 billion for importing food, essential items and medicines and US $500 million for importing fuel from India.
India has also extended over USD 900 million facilities to Sri Lanka in line with its strong commitment to stand with Sri Lanka for economic recovery and growth.
This includes deferment of Asian Clearing Union settlement of over USD 500 million and currency swap of USD 400 million.
India News Network
