Russian President Dmitry Medvedev assured President Mahinda Rajapaksa that Russia will stand by Sri Lanka in its all efforts. This assurance was given when the two Presidents met at Lenexpo Hall in Vasilevsky Island, St. Petersburg a short while ago.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is in Russia to attend the 15th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, in St. Petersburg.

Both Russia and Sri Lanka have equally suffered from terrorism and aware of the pain and destruction caused by it, Russian President Medvedev said.

President Rajapaksa thanked Russia for the assistance given for ushering sustainable peace in Sri Lanka and giving its fullest cooperation to develop the country.

Two leaders also discussed ways and means of improving trade and investment between the two countries.

On the development of investment opportunities, the Sri Lankan President invited Russian investors to take advantage of the good potential that prevails in Sri Lanka as a destination for investment in the region.

President Medvedev said he look forward to visit Sri Lanka with his Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov who is very fluent in Sinhala.

Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov, Minister of External Affairs Prof. G. L. Peiris, Senior Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga and Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga were also present during the discussion.