President emphasized the need for economic cooperation among friendly countries

President Maithripala Sirisena said the countries with excellent cordial relations must strengthen economic cooperation to ensure solid long term bilateral ties. He said this when three new Ambassadors presented credentials to him at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, today (September 11).

The envoys are:

Mr.Riho Kruuv- Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia

Mr.Jorge Juan Castaneda Mendez – Ambassador of Peru

Mrs. Chulamanee Chartsuwan- Ambassador of Thailand

President Sirisena pointed out that Sri Lanka wants to have strong economic and investment relations with friendly countries. The President, referring to close bilateral relations with Sri Lanka and the countries represented by the new envoys expressed confidence that they would strive to further strengthen bilateral friendship and cooperation in many areas including trade, investment and tourism.

While the Ambassadors of Thailand will be based in Colombo, other two will function as non-resident concurrently accredited Ambassadors with residence in New Delhi.

Foreign Minister Tilak Marapana, Secretary to the President Austin Fernando and Foreign Secretary Prasad Kariyawasam were also present at this occasion.