South Africa was aware of the crisis faced by Sri Lanka through many years due to separatist terrorism, and welcomed its defeat under the leadership of President Rajapaksa.

President Jacob Zuma of South Africa congratulated President Rajapaksa and Sri Lanka for its defeat of terrorism after so many years, and for its success in upholding the principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity that were being threatened by terrorism and certain international pressure groups.

These sentiments were expressed when the South African President met with President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Sharm El Sheik, Egypt, yesterday (16), where both leaders were present to participate in the 15th Non Aligned Summit.

The two leaders discussed areas of cooperation between South Africa and Sri Lanka, particularly in areas of investment in Sri Lanka and making available modern mining technology, to Sri Lanka. They saw possibilities for the promotion of cultural exchanges between the two countries and greater activity in sports, including the training of Sri Lankan youth in selected areas of sport.

The need for common a position in dealing with the problems caused by the current world economic and financial crises, as well as in dealing with the major issues of Climate Change and Global Warming, with the burdens of these crises not being passed down to the developing countries, was also discussed by the two national leaders, who agreed to stronger bonds of friendship between South Africa and Sri Lanka.