President Mahinda Rajapaksa has pledged his government's commitment to work with Kenya in building a dynamic partnership that will benefit the people of the two countries.
 

President Rajapaksa speaking at the state banquet hosted by the Kenyan President at the State House in Nairobi said that he is the first ever head of state to visit Kenya from Sri Lanka, and that Kenya and Sri Lanka are both home to two great ancient civilizations, dating back many millennia.

"We are also bound by historical experiences, sharing common platforms in the Non-Aligned movement and as members of the Commonwealth," the President pointed out.

 

"With Kenya, we seek to build a modern, dynamic partnership, having identified several areas for focused cooperation. To this end, we will, during my present visit sign formal agreements and establish the Kenya-Sri Lanka joint commission, graduating our relationship to greater heights," the President said.

 

President Rajapaksa expressed appreciation for the "understanding and unwavering support" extended to Sri Lanka to eliminate terrorism in the island and in overcoming the post conflict challenges.