|
|
 |
 |
|||
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lakshman Kadirgamar held wide ranging talks with the Indian Minister of External Affairs during his recent tour to India. The Indian High Commission in a press release states, the two ministers noted that the Senior Officials had drawn up a detailed programme of SAARC Technical Committee meeting to be held over the next three months. They agreed that these meetings should continue. On the strength of the outcome of their work, which would provide an agenda, the possibility of a Standing Committee meeting could be considered. The two ministers discussed the problems faced by fishermen from both countries. They highlighted the humanitarian aspect of the problem faced by poor people fro whom fishing is the only means of livelihood. They agreed that the issue should be dealt with in a spirit of compassion and understanding. They further agreed that all pending cases of fishermen in custody should be expedited. Sri Lanka would be sending a team to India in order to study the legal procedures involved. Minister of External Affairs said that the team would received full co-operation in India. Minister of External Affairs reiterated India’s concern at firing on Indian fishermen and emphasised the need to avoid such incidents. Discussions between the two Foreign Ministers also touched on progress in the implementation of the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement and in the activities of the India-Sri Lanka Foundation. They expressed satisfaction at the excellent state of bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka. India supports the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka and a negotiated political settlement of the conflict there for a lasting peace which would meet the aspiration of all elements of Sri Lankan society.
|
|
Contact Information: Send mail to