“Given the terrorism related challenges Sri Lanka and Turkey face, our two countries have been consistently calling for concerted international action against this menace. Sri Lanka understands Turkey’s concerns of terrorism, given its own experience in dealing with this issue. The global convention on terrorism must be finalized”, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the media at the President’s Palace in Ankara yesterday (Dec 02). The President was addressing the Turkish and foreign media after bilateral talks with Turkish President Abdullah Gul and the signing of two important agreements between Sri Lanka and Turkey.

Here is the text of President Rajapaksa’s statement to the media.

“It is indeed an honour for me to visit Turkey, as the first Head of State of Sri Lanka to have undertaken an official visit to your country, which has long been a centre of civilization.

Sri Lanka and Turkey enjoy a long-standing friendship and this visit is an opportunity to strengthen these age old ties.

Expectedly my discussions with President Gul and Prime Minister Erdogan were held in an atmosphere of extreme cordiality. Our discussions spanning a number of areas of mutual interest, were most fruitful and constructive. We are, therefore, now on the springboard of renewed and enhanced bilateral cooperation, which undoubtedly will lead to further consolidation of our relations.

The menace of terrorism has afflicted both Sri Lanka and Turkey. We are therefore more sensitive to the related issues and share our belief in the need to counter terrorism in all its forms. There are no good terrorists or bad terrorists. All terrorists are bad. Given the terrorism related challenges Sri Lanka and Turkey face, our two countries have been consistently calling for concerted international action against this menace. Sri Lanka understands Turkey’s concerns of terrorism, given its own experience in dealing with this issue. The global convention on terrorism must be finalized.

I am confident that the bilateral agreements signed today will further promote our bilateral ties. The Air Transport Agreement which will improve connectivity between our two countries will be a stepping stone to forge closer ties amongst our peoples. Both our countries are full of traces of our rich cultural heritage, and also enriched with natural beauty and are ideal for tourism. Sri Lanka looks forward to welcoming the Turkish pople to experience our country’s natural beauty. The Extradition Treaty will enhance cooperation in the area of law and order in our countries.

Trade and economic links are not new between Sri Lanka and Turkey. I am pleased to note that there are some Turkish investment projects in Sri Lanka already in the areas of IT training, production of medical devices and tea and non-traditional products. However, there is room for improvement. It may be noted that Foreign Direct Investment in Sri Lanka has increased annually. This is a positive signal for potential investors as it only serves to demonstrate the satisfaction of the existing investors. It is also important to seek to broaden the areas of trade, while tea has been the main item. We discussed the possibility of exchanging high level trade delegations and the possibility of signing an Investment Protection Agreement and a Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement.

We discussed the situation in Sri Lanka. I emphasized my Government’s commitment to a political solution. I also explained that the military engagement is to counter terrorism and create an environment for a political solution.

I have invited my friend President Gul to visit Sri Lanka and hope it would be in the very near future.”

Answering a question whether the recent terrorist in Mumbai had posed a threat to Sri Lanka’s own security, and what the President’s view of this new situation was, President Rajapaksa said that what had happened was the 9/11 of India. This should serve as an eye-opener to all, on the need for concerted action to fight terrorism. He repeated that terrorists cannot be separated into good and bad categories. All terrorists were bad. What had recently happened should strengthen the resolve of all countries to join in the fight against terrorism.