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Bogollagama meets Indian leaders
Thursday, 1 February 2007 - 7:03 AM SL Time
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Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama who is in India on a two day official trip met Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee yesterday.
Briefing the Indian leaders of the current political situation, the Minister said that the strengthening of the Government in the Legislature, would facilitate the political process.
Bogollagama made his first official trip overseas after assuming office in his new ministry, to India, a tradition kept unbroken by consecutive Sri lankan leaders.
Minister Bogollagama briefed the Indian leadership on the political process for a negotiated solution to the national issue and the consensus in this regard that was now emerging.
The Indian leadership was also briefed on the improved security situation in the Eastern Province and the firm efforts by the Government of Sri Lanka to resettle the temporarily displaced, as well as to cater to their needs.
The Indian Premier reiterated India`s commitment to the territorial integrity, unity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka. With regard to bilateral economic issues, Bogollagama stated that even during his previous Ministerial assignments, he had been a firm advocate of enhancing the trade and commercial relationship between the two countries.
Certain implementation issues pertaining to the Free Trade Agreement, including regarding the export of Vanaspati, had not in any way deterred him from this view.
He said the President has gone on record concerning his preference for the conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the middle of 2007.
The Indian leaders for their part reaffirmed the commitment of their country for an early conclusion of the CEPA process, in a manner that would be mutually beneficial to both sides.
The Sri Lanka Foreign Minister referred during his discussions in Delhi to the important new area of economic engagement that would be shortly opened up for Sri Lanka, with the commencement of exploration for oil and gas in the Mannar Basin.
The Indian side appreciated Sri Lanka`s offer of a block to India for such exploration. The Indian authorities stated that they were looking forward to commencing practical measures in this regard.
Minister Bogollagama also pointed out the need to expedite matters concerning financing from India for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the tsunami affected Southern railway line from Colombo to Matara.
He also noted the Indian interest in executing the project in an integrated manner. Bogollagama emphasised that Sri Lanka being a close friend of India, the current administration in Sri Lanka would make every effort to carry forward the bilateral relationship, to ever greater heights.
The discussions were held in a spirit of cordiality and friendship. The Prime Minister of India felicitated Bogollagama on his assumption of office as Foreign Minister.
He also stated that he is looking forward to receiving President Rajapaksa at the forthcoming SAARC Summit in New Delhi in April this year.
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Dan0
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 14
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1 Feb 2007 12:55:27 GMT Report for Abuse
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| Try as much as you can, you still cant replace the vibrancy and epitome of the late Kadiragama. |
sarathk
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 65
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1 Feb 2007 17:07:25 GMT Report for Abuse
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| Well done minister,you had a chance to meet Indian premier soon as you assume duty,as foreign minister keep your wife away from politics |
Thiru
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 315
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2 Feb 2007 22:15:56 GMT Report for Abuse
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| MR can change begging bowls but the receiving contents will be same again and again. That is 'give Tamils their Homeland' |
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