Iran Press/ Asia: Hossein Amir-Abdollahian congratulated the Sri Lankan government and nation on the anniversary of the country's independence in a joint press conference with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabri in Colombo on Tuesday, Feb 20.
Explaining the goals and achievements of his trip to Colombo, the Iranian Foreign Minister said: "Today we had detailed discussions and fruitful agreements with the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister and his accompanying ministers."
Amir-Abdollahian stated that in the negotiations they discussed all dimensions of political, commercial, economic, cultural, technological, and tourism cooperation and added:" Considering the existing capacities of the two countries, we agreed to promote relations in all areas of interest and Let's consolidate."
He further continued: "We agreed that the Joint Commission on Special Cooperation should be held soon."
The Minister of Foreign Affairs stated:" We had comprehensive and useful talks with the Prime Minister and the President of Sri Lanka, and the President strongly supported the agreements reached between the Foreign Ministers of the two countries and emphasized on inviting the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran to visit Sri Lanka, which we hope will happen as soon as possible. We may witness this trip and fruitful talks between the presidents."
Amir-Abdollahian stated that soon, within the framework of the favorable relations between the two countries, a 100-megawatt power plant built by Iranian companies and with the cooperation of the two countries will be opened.
Amir-Abdollahian added: "We are glad that the two countries have strong cooperation in international organizations and forums and support each other's positions."
In another part of this press conference, the Minister of Foreign Affairs congratulated Sri Lanka on the presidency of (IORA) and considered it an opportunity to develop cooperation between Iran and Sri Lanka and regional cooperation in the Asian continent.
Amir-Abdollahian introduced Sri Lanka as one of the tourist destinations of the Iranian people and pointed out: " Last year, more than 120,000 Iranians traveled to this country as tourists, and they have pleasant memories of the hospitality of the good and civilized people of Sri Lanka."
Wishing the best for the people of Sri Lanka, he invited the people of this country to travel to Iran and noted: "With the determination of the leaders of the two countries, in the near future we will witness the increase of relations."
Referring to the recent mooring of two Iranian ships off the coast of Sri Lanka, the head of the country's diplomacy said: "We strongly support maritime security and shipping in the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean and the region."
Stating that the occupying regime of Israel has greatly endangered the security of the region, Amir-Abdollahian added: "We appreciate Sri Lanka's strong position in joining the UN General Assembly resolution to stop the genocide and war crimes in Gaza and the West Bank."
He also continued: "We support the initiative of the South African government in internationalizing the lawsuit against the war criminals of the Israeli regime."
Amir-Abdollahian stated: "We are interested in the consensus reached in the African Union in support of Palestine, and we agree that the model established in the African Union in supporting Palestine and stopping the war crimes of the Israeli regime should be repeated in regional and international forums."
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