The further strengthening of bonds between Sri Lanka and Iran was the keynote of discussions between Iranian President Mohamoud Ahmadinejad and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa when they held bi-lateral discussions at the United Nations yesterday (21).

President Rajapaksa thanked the Iranian President for the assistance given to Sri Lanka by Iran, especially the concessionary terms for the sale of fuel, the upgrading of the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery and assistance for the Uma Oya Irrigation Project.

The Iranian leader congratulated President Rajapaksa on his leadership in the successful defeat of terrorism, and the steps being taken to build peace in the country with reconciliation among all communities.

Both leaders agreed to pursue action to improve trade relations between Sri Lanka and Iran, especially in the matter of exports of Sri Lankan tea to Iran.

It was also agreed to set up a committee of senior personnel from both countries to look into aspects of expediting the expansion and development of the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery, which work has been undertaken by Iran.

Discussions covered the possibility of Sri Lanka obtaining high quality drugs manufactured in Iran, and the supply of ayurvedic medicinal preparations from Sri Lanka.

Both leaders agreed on the need to further strengthen relations between Sri Lanka and Iran, especially in view of the new conditions that prevail in Sri Lanka that were showing remarkable progress in economic activity since the defeat of terrorism.

Associated with President Rajapaksa in the discussions were External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary, External Affairs Romesh Jayasinghe, Mr. Namal Rajapaksa MP, Mr. Sri Ranga MP and Dr. Palitha Kohona, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka in the UN.