SL congratulates US Senator Kerry

2 February 2013 11:34 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 33 Bookmark

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Minister of External Affairs Prof G.L.Peiris in a letter to newly appointed Secretary of State John Kerry extended his congratulations on the nomination and expressed Sri Lanka’s willingness to continue working with the US in full cooperation on matters of mutual concern.

“I look forward   to working closely with you to further   strengthen   our bilateral partnership based on your understanding of the importance   of our relations and the challenges Sri Lanka faces after   emerging from   a protracted   conflict   that   spanned three decades,” Prof. Peiris stated.

The full letter

His Excellency John Kerry
Secretary of State
United States of America

Excellency,

I wish to extend my warm congratulations   to Your Excellency, on your appointment   as the Secretary of State of the United States of America.   You bring to your office the wisdom and experience gained during a long and distinguished   political   and professional   career.    I am confident that your pragmatic outlook,   particularly   having been the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will stand in good stead in steering the foreign relations of your country in these challenging times.

I recall with pleasure that Sri Lanka has engaged your attention over the years, as borne out by the report you co-authored   in December 2009 recommending   a re-evaluation   of the US - Sri Lanka relationship. I look forward   to working closely with you to further   strengthen   our bilateral partnership based on your understanding of the importance   of our relations and the challenges Sri Lanka faces after   emerging from   a protracted   conflict   that   spanned three decades.

Please accept, Excellency, assurances of my highest consideration   and best wishes for your personal well-being and success.

Prof. G.L.Peiris, MP
Minister of External Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka