There was agreement reached on future areas of cooperation between Sri Lanka and Iceland in the key areas of geo-thermal energy, fisheries development and women’s empowerment, at bi-lateral discussions between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Iceland’s Prime Minister Geier Haarde in New York yesterday (Monday 22).

The discussions took place when Iceland’s Prime Minister called on the Sri Lankan President at the latter’s hotel, in New York, where both leaders are present for the 63rd Session of the UN General Assembly.

Premier Haarde, who appreciated the growing cooperation between Sri Lanka and Iceland, recalled the earlier visit to his country by President Rajapaksa, as Minister of Fisheries, and the recent visit of Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs to Iceland as symbolic of the close relationship between the two countries.

The discussions centred on the possibilities for future cooperation. This included bi-lateral agreements involving investment promotion in Sri Lanka and the avoidance of double taxation. These are now reaching finalization and are expected to be ready for signature when the Icelandic Premier visits Sri Lanka very soon. Measures will also be taken for enhanced airline connectivity between the two countries, as well as increased tourism to Sri Lanka.

President Rajapaksa expressed his appreciation of the contribution of Iceland to the development of Sri Lanka and the efforts of Iceland to implement the mandate of the Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission, during its operation in Sri Lanka.