India would always stand with Sri Lanka, Jaishankar affirms during GL visit

by Zulfick Farzan 09-02-2022 | 6:38 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar had called for expeditiously taking forward mutually beneficial projects, including proposals to enhance air and sea connectivity between India and Sri Lanka to reinforce people to people linkages, economic and investment initiatives.

During his meeting with the Minister of Foreign Relations of Sri Lanka, Prof. G.L.Peiris, he stressed the need to take additional steps to enhance Sri Lanka’s energy security, keeping the shared maritime domain safe from various contemporary threats and cooperation in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both Ministers discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and explored ways to further strengthen the close and friendly ties between India and Sri Lanka, during their meeting on the 7th of February 2022.

Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar had underscored the priority accorded to Sri Lanka by India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision and the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

He had also conveyed that India would always stand with Sri Lanka during its times of need.

The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for India’s recent assistance and updated Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar on the steps taken by Government of Sri Lanka on human rights and reconciliation, said the Indian External Affairs Ministry in a press notice.

Recalling the positive impact of India’s developmental and rehabilitation support, Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasized that Sri Lanka’s interests are best served by ensuring equality, justice, peace and respect for the Tamil people within a united Sri Lanka.

Devolution of power is an important aspect of this process, he had added.

Both sides reiterated the longstanding consensus to handle fishermen issue through humanitarian approach and refrain from the use of violence in dealing with incidents along the IMBL.

They agreed that bilateral mechanisms should meet early, starting with the Joint Working Group on Fisheries, said the statement.