COLOMBO (News 1st); Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Prof. G.L. Peiris concluded a successful two-day official visit to India on Tuesday (8).The meeting between Minister Peiris and National Security Advisor of India Shri Ajit Doval was held on 08 February.The National Security Advisor of India and the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka discussed a range of issues pertaining to the mutual strategic interests of the two countries.
The status of the bilateral relationship was reviewed and priority areas for future cooperation were discussed.The Foreign Minister undertook his maiden visit to New Delhi after assuming office as the Foreign Minister in August last year, on an invitation extended by the External Affairs Minister of India Dr.
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.During the visit, Foreign Minister Peiris met with his counterpart Dr. Jaishankar and the National Security Advisor of India Shri Ajit Doval.Indian Foreign Secretary Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla also called on the Foreign Minister.The meeting between the two Ministers, followed by delegation-level talks was held on 07th February at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.During the meeting, Minister Peiris thanked the External Affairs Minister of India for the invitation and the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation.Observing that the relationship between India and Sri Lanka has evolved from a transactional relationship into a strategic partnership, Foreign Minister Peiris stated that it is increasingly recognized by the people of Sri Lanka that India is a true friend whom Sri Lanka can rely on at all times.In this context, Minister Peiris appreciated the financial assistance that the Government of India has extended to Sri Lanka to the tune of 2.4 billion.