President scheduled to address the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia

Colombo (News 1st): The 5th Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (or CICA) commences today in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. President Maithripala Sirisena is scheduled to address the summit today and is also expected to meet several state leaders on the sidelines. Yesterday, the Sri Lankan head of state met with the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon. The president's media division stated that discussions were held on strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations for economic development and development of international trade. President Sirisena had stressed that his intention is to maintain close and cordial relations with the countries to assist in the process of rejuvenating Sri Lanka's economy. Discussions were held on a programme to identify and pursue investment opportunities, and an initiative to strengthen regional security and dent drug smuggling operations in the region.