The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey V. Lavrov will arrive in Sri Lanka today (26) at the invitation of Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama.

During the visit the Russian Foreign Minister is expected to call on President Mahinda Rajapaksa and also have consultations with his Sri Lankan counterpart, Foreign Minister Bogollagama on further enhancing the cordial and flourishing bilateral relations between the two countries, Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.

Discussions are also expected to focus on boosting economic cooperation, culture, education and tourism and issues of regional and international interests.

Ministers Bogollagama and Lavrov are expected to sign the Agreement on “Cooperation to Suppress Illicit Traffic in and Abuse of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances” and discuss the finalization of a number of other Agreements. On this occasion a Memorandum of Understanding on Prevention of Natural Disasters and Mitigation of their Consequences will also be signed.

The Russian Foreign Minister is also expected to meet with the Sri Lanka – Russia Business Council. Minister Lavrov will deliver an address at the BMICH later that evening.

Minister Lavrov’s visit to Sri Lanka will undoubtedly further strengthen and bring to a new height Sri Lanka – Russia relations.