President to visit Iran, Iranian President to Sri Lanka

President Ranil Wickremesinghe met Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and discussed bilateral cooperation. President Raisi stated that both countries need to build on their traditional friendship by identifying new pathways to further expand cooperation. 

He stated that there is potential to increase economic cooperation and proposed early convening of the Joint Economic Commission.

The prospects for cooperation in the agriculture sector, particularly introducing modern technology, in which area Iran has considerable expertise, were also discussed.

The two leaders recognized that as countries belonging to the same region there is potential for regional cooperation in a range of areas of mutual interest, including as members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

The President referred to the cooperation with Iran in the power and energy sector particularly the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project.

President Wickremesinghe extended an invitation to President Ebrahim Raisi to visit Sri Lanka and ceremonially open the Uma Oya Hydropower Station.

President Raisi accepted the invitation and also extended an invitation to President Wickremesinghe to visit Iran.

Both leaders agreed that these high-level visits would give impetus to further consolidate bilateral ties.