Japanese Foreign Minister in Sri Lanka
[January 06, 2003 - 09.30 GMT]

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi arrived in Sri Lanka last evening on a two-day visit. It is the first time in 16 years that a Japanese Foreign Minister is visiting the country.

The Japanese Foreign Minister who is here to express her country’s support to the peace process is scheduled to meet President Kumaratunga in Colombo today. She is also due to fly to the northern Jaffna peninsula today, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

In an exclusive interview to the Hindu, Minister Kawaguchi said, “We welcome the progress of the peace process in Sri Lanka. Upon a request from the Sri Lankan Government, Japan has been providing emergency humanitarian assistance in the conflict areas of the north-east.”

She is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe and Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando.

Minister Kawaguchi is due to leave for New Delhi Tuesday.

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Last Updated Date: January 06, 2003  - 09.30 GMT.