Iranian leader acknowledges level of trade between Iran and Sri Lanka is much less than the real potential
President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena and a delegation representing the government of Sri Lanka met with Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday in Teheran.
According to reports, during the meeting, Ayatollah Khamenei, pointing to the cultural and historical relations between the two countries, and with the countries of the subcontinent, acknowledged that the level of trade between Iran and Sri Lanka is much less than the two nations’ potentials.
Reports further state that the Iranian leader had also stressed the need for Asian countries to cooperate and work more together, as it would empower them.
Ayatollah Khamenei, noting that Iran’s scientific, technological, and research advances as a proper ground for extending cooperation between the two countries, has reportedly told the Sri Lankan President and his delegation that Sri Lanka should implement the agreements signed during the President’s visit.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran looks forward to expanding the existing friendship and cooperation with your government and nation; and in this regard, the contracts which were signed between the two countries today, must be earnestly followed up and implemented,” Ayatollah Khamenei has been quoted as saying in media reports.
Sri Lanka’s President has meanwhile called Iran ‘one of the most advanced countries in the areas of technology, science, and universities’, and expressed hope for Sri Lanka to be able to profit from Iran’s scientific advances, as a result of increasing cooperation.
President Sirisena has said, “During our talks today, we decided to multiply cooperation and activities between our countries, and implement the agreements signed between Iranian and Sri Lankan officials.”
OSL take:
The discussion between the Sri Lankan and Iranian leaders show a positive move towards the further strengthening of bilateral and trade relations between the two nations. Local as well as foreign businesses looking at doing businesses in Iran could set up base in Sri Lanka while Iranian investors could also take the opportunity for business opportunities in Sri Lanka.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/21052018/Z_4 |