FM Natwar Singh calls on President

[November 04, 2004 - 9:30 GMT]

Indian External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh called on President Chandrika Kumaratunga at the Presidential suite at Hotel Taj Palace, New Delhi a short while ago.

The two leaders reviewed the progress of the 1998 Indo-Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and discussed the possibilities of increasing and establishing a comprehensive economic arrangement between the two countries.

The issue of Indian fishermen who accidentally drift into the Northern waters of Sri Lanka was also discussed. The two leaders agreed that this needs to be sorted out in a 'humane' manner. A joint working group is to be appointed to address this issue and to arrive at a Memorandum of Understanding.

The Government of India agreed to further enhance the existing Indian credit line to Sri Lanka. The new credit amounting to US $ 100 million would be for rural development in the entire country initially for community development and expansion of road network. Other areas of improvement are to be identified.

The much debated Sethusamudram Canal Project was another topic discussed. There was agreement that all information on this project should be shared between the two countries. India pledged to make certain that the project would have no adverse consequences but only benefit Sri Lanka.

Associated with the President at today's discussions were Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, Power & Energy Minister Susil Premajayantha, Sri Lanka's High Commissioner in New Delhi Mangala Moonasinghe, Additional Secretary to the Foreign Ministry Chithrangani Wageeswara and the Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Jaliya Medagama.

Minister Natwar Sigh was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran and External Affairs Ministry Joint Secretary for affairs of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Maldives Ms. Neelam Deo.

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Last Updated Date: November 04, 2004 - 9:30 GMT