Ranil, Raisi Meeting : President's Office Offers More Details

COLOMBO (News 1st); The President's Office has released details of the meeting between Iranian President Dr. Ibrahim Raisi who arrived in Sri Lanka to attend the inauguration of the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project and President Ranil Wickremesinghe, at the President' Office.

The President's Media Division said that the two leaders deliberated on enhancing bilateral relations between their respective nations, underscoring the commitment to further collaboration and mutual cooperation.

President Wickremesinghe had taken the opportunity to express his gratitude to President Raisi for the support extended by the Islamic Republic of Iran during Sri Lanka’s recent economic crisis and subsequent debt restructuring efforts.

Updating President Raisi on Sri Lanka’s recent economic stability and recovery, President Wickremesinghe conveyed optimism regarding the nation’s future progress and prosperity.

During their discussions, the leaders delved into key areas of mutual interest, emphasizing the need to bolster economic and trade ties while fostering political and cultural cooperation, said the President's Media Division in a statement.

Following these deliberations, five Memorandums of Understanding were signed between Sri Lanka and the Islamic Republic of Iran in the presence of both leaders.

1. Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha signed on behalf of Sri Lanka for the Memorandum of Understanding between the National Library and Archives of Iran and the National Library of Sri Lanka, with Minister of Cultural Affairs Mohammad Mehdi Esmaeili representing Iran.

2. A Memorandum of Understanding was inked between the National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Iran, witnessed by Minister of Transport, Highways, and Mass Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, and Iranian Minister of Cultural Affairs, Mr. Mohammad Mehdi Esmaeili.

3. A Memorandum of Understanding was also sealed between Sri Lanka and Iran concerning cooperation in media and tourism. Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Transport, Highways, and Mass Media, along with Mr. Ali Akbar Mehra Biyan, Iran’s Minister of Energy, signed the agreement.

4. An agreement encompassing cultural, scientific, and technical collaboration, as well as media, youth, and sports programs between Sri Lanka and the Islamic Republic of Iran, was signed. Foreign Minister Ali Sabri PC represented Sri Lanka, while Minister of Cultural Affairs Mohammad Mehdi Esmaeili represented Iran.

5. A Memorandum of Understanding was established between the Iran Cooperative Board and the Sri Lanka National Cooperative Board. Chairman of the Sri Lanka National Cooperative Board, G.V. Sarath Weerasiri, and Iran’s Minister of Cultural Affairs, Mr. Mohammad Mehdi Esmaeili, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective governments.