India, SL held discussion on bilateral issues: Dinesh Gunawardane

Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardane with his Indian counterpart, said to the media that the two sides discussed defence and security related matters, as well as the issues related to maritime and fisheries sectors, as littoral states of the Indian Ocean.

Mr. Gunawardane said the two countries agreed to continue current momentum of coordinated and close dialogue in those areas, in order to curb illegal activities and their continued cooperation in the BIMSTEC, IORA and SAARC.

“I would like to thank the External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar for visiting Sri Lanka as his first overseas engagement this year,” he said.

During our talks, we focused on multiple areas of mutual cooperation in the identified sectors of economics, finance, trade, commerce, defence, security and fisheries, cultural and particularly on the ongoing Covid -19 pandemic and the post Covid era that we are moving towards and efforts we have jointly taken since the outbreak last year,” he said. “The Indian Government’s “Neighbourhood First” policy made a very positive impact on our health sector and the economy during the critical period and unprecedented crisis, extending assistance to repatriate the Sri Lankans there, pilgrims, students and people seeking medical treatment ,” he said. (KELUM BANDARA)