New Delhi, Jan.29 (ANI): External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid on Wednesday met his Sri Lankan counterpart Prof G.L. Peiris to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
According to official sources, the two Ministers reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations including the issues related to fishermen, the various development partnership projects being undertaken by India especially those in the Northern Province and prospects for enhanced economic cooperation.
The two sides felt that the recent meeting in Chennai between the Fishermens 'associations of the two countries as a first step in the right direction, and agreed to consider the proposals put forward by the associations.
Salman Khurshid emphasised that India attaches the highest importance to the safety, security and well being of Indian fishermen, and thanked the Sri Lankan Minister for his personal efforts in ensuring the release of the Indian fishermen.
It was agreed that the Governments of both India and Sri Lanka will remain engaged to ensure that fishermen on both sides can continue to pursue their livelihood in a safe, secure and sustainable manner.
The Ministers also discussed issues relating to the progress in the implementation of long term developmental projects in Sri Lanka, which are being undertaken by India. The second phase of the flag ship housing project involving construction of 43,000 houses under the owner driven model is underway with more than 10,000 houses already completed in 2013 in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.
Both Ministers also reviewed the ongoing trade and economic cooperation as well as the growth in tourism on both sides. SriLanka would be the partner country at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela from 1-15 February.
The Foreign Ministers also noted that there was satisfactory progress in trilateral cooperation on maritime security between India, SriLanka and Maldives. Issues of common interest that are likely to figure in forthcoming international meetings of which India and Sri Lanka are both members.
Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa had visited India in November last year, the Sri Lankan Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Development Minister Rajitha Senaratne was in Delhi earlier this month on 15-16 January and the Sri Lankan Treasury Secretary Dr P.B. Jayasundera had talks with Commerce Secretary on January 25. (ANI)
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