Swaziland applauds the efforts to unite the Sri Lankan nation towards the sustainable development  through the reconciliation programme, King Mswati III of Swaziland said.

"Sri Lanka has demonstrated high resilience to economic shocks which paralyzed many economies of the world during the recent fiscal crisis", the King said during a bilateral meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Presidential Secretariat this morning.

"Our country was not spared from this crisis and we therefore hope to learn from your experience for the future," the King said.

The King of Swaziland said President Rajapaksa is a champion of peace in the South Asian region and has successfully put an end to the conflict which had negatively affected the development of the country.

He appreciated the spirit of dialogue and peace President Rajapaksa is promoting amongst people.

Sri Lanka will always remember and appreciate the support extended by Swaziland in the international fora, particularly for protecting the territorial integrity and the image of our country, President Rajapaksa said.

"As far as Sri Lanka is concerned, our policy in respect of all matters will continue to be guided by the vital interests and well-being of the people of our country. It hardly requires emphasis that this cannot yield place to any other consideration," the President added.

The two leaders emphasised the importance of exploring possibilities to enhance economic cooperation, diversify products in trade and encourage building private – public partnerships between the two countries.

President offered Sri Lanka's assistance in promoting education and health sectors in Swaziland.

Following bilateral discussions an agreement on Economic, Commercial and Technical Cooperation was signed between Sri Lanka and Swaziland.

Minister of External Affairs Prof. G. L. Peiris and Swaziland's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Mmtiti Fakudze signed the agreements on behalf of two countries.