The Presidents of Bulgaria and Sri Lanka were wholly agreed that in their position that the development of EU-Sri Lanka elations contributes to the country’s prosperity. They noted the mutual willingness for continuing the constructive dialogue for enhanced economic, trade and investment cooperation, and pointed out the important contribution of existing arrangements and commitments towards this end.

This is said in a Joint Media Statement issued by President Georgi Parvanov of Bulgaria and President Mahinda Rajapaksa following their meeting at the Janadhipathi Mandiraya, Colombo November 1.

Both national leaders acknowledged the possibilities for further developing bilateral political dialogue and cooperation in the economic, cultural and other spheres of mutual interest. It was noted that both sides enjoy excellent cooperation in the framework of the UN and other international organizations.
 

Here is the text of the Joint Media Statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The President of the Republic of Bulgaria Mr. Georgi Parvanovcalled on the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa on November 1st during a one-day visit to Colombo.

During the meeting it was acknowledged that there are possibilities for further developing bilateral political dialogue and cooperation in the economic, cultural and other spheres of mutual interest. It was pointed out that both sides enjoy excellent cooperation in the framework of the UN and other international organizations.

The Bulgarian President was informed by the Sri Lankan President about the efforts of the Sri Lankan government in the process of post-conflict rehabilitation of the country, following the defeat of the LTTE, and the progress achieved towards that end. The Bulgarian side expressed its expectation that this process will be successfully completed on the basis of substantive participation of all ethno-religious communities, while preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka, in accordance with the principles of democracy and the respect for human rights, including the return of the IDPs to their places of habitat. In this regard the President of Sri Lanka observed that the number of IDPs remaining is 160 thousand from the original number of 280 thousand, the process of their return is continuing and the target for its completion is end of January, 2010.

The two Presidents were unanimous in their stance that the development of EU-Sri Lanka relations contributes to the country’s prosperity. They noted the mutual willingness for continuing the constructive dialogue for enhanced economic, trade and investment cooperation. They pointed out the important contribution of existing arrangements and commitments towards this end.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mr. Rohitha Bogollagama also called on the Bulgarian President.

A business delegation from Bulgaria also accompanied the visiting President. A Business Forum was held and a Cooperation Agreement was singed between the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka and the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry which would enhance private sector economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and Bulgaria.