President Mahinda Rajapaksa returned to the island today (03 July) after completing a successful three-day state visit to Ukraine.

He held bilateral discussions with the President of Ukraine, Victor Yanukovich and the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov.

The two Presidents signed four agreements enhancing cooperation in tourism, maritime shipping, and security sectors. They also focused on establishing a Joint Trade Commission to promote ties in the trade sector and also invited Ukraine for oil exploration in Sri Lanka.

During the bilateral discussion with the Ukrainian Prime Minister, Ukraine expressed interest to extend space technology to Sri Lanka. The Prime Minister stated that at present, Ukraine has a space technology exchange programme with Brazil and in the future Sri Lanka too will be involved.

The President also attended the Sri Lanka-Ukraine Business Forum where he told the business delegates that Sri Lanka offers unique advantages with its strategic location at the cross roads of both East and West sea routes and as the point of entry to South Asia.

President Rajapaksa visited the Ukraine National Defence Academy during his state visit and addressed the gathering. He stated that Sri Lanka is a good example to the world on defeating terrorism.

‘The internal problems of a country can be resolved through the commitment and dedication of its people and Sri Lanka is a good example in this regard’, he said.