Kumaratunga calls on Khatami
[November 24, 2004 - 11:00 GMT] 

President Chandrika Kumaratunga was received this morning by Iranian President Mohammed Khatami at the Islamic Republic Mansion. The Sri Lankan Leader was accorded a guard of honour by the Iranian Army, Navy and Air Force at the courtyard of the Mansion. 

The bilateral discussions between the two leaders lasted over one and a half hours. President Kumaratunga told her Iranian counterpart that the ties between the two countries are “very good and encouraging”.

The leaders agreed that there are no contentious issues between the two nations and that together they could gain much in the fields of trade and economy. They also discussed ways of improving people to people contact between the two countries.

President Kumaratunga briefed the Iranian leader on the current status of the peace negotiations in Sri Lanka and the earnest efforts of her Government to recommence direct talks with the LTTE. She said that the majority of Sinhala and Tamil people in Sri Lanka are for a negotiated settlement within a united country.

She also explained the economic set backs in the country that has suffered largely due to the 20-year war.

The two leaders reiterated their faith in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and agreed that they could work within the framework of NAM. 

President Kumaratunga extended an invitation to President Khatami to pay an official visit to Sri Lanka which was accepted.

The two Governments have finalized the matters pertaining to the Preferential Trade Agreement to be signed tomorrow and the list of products that will be covered in the PTA is being worked on.

Presidents Kumaratunga and Khatami addressed the media personnel very briefly at the conclusion of the discussions.

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Last Updated Date: November 24, 2004 - 11:00 GMT