Jaishankar, Peiris exchange views on fishermen issue

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris who is on a two-day official visit to India met with his Indian counterpart Dr. S. Jaishankar for bilateral talks at the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi.

The two dignitaries discussed a wide range of issues pertaining to the bilateral relationship during the talks, the foreign ministry said.

Foreign Minister Peiris was joined by Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, Milinda Moragoda and senior officials of the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Delhi and the Foreign Ministry.

Indian Foreign Secretary Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay and senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs, India accompanied the External Affairs Minister of India.

The talks came days after India extended a USD 500 million credit line to Sri Lanka.

Peiris arrived in Delhi on Sunday on a three-day official visit.

“Very pleased to welcome FM G.L. Peiris of Sri Lanka. Looking forward to our talks this morning,” Mr Jaishankar tweeted.

He later tweeted that the talks were “productive” and that they discussed “economic and investment initiatives that will strengthen Sri Lanka at this time.”

The talks also focused on additional steps to enhance Sri Lanka’s energy security, he said.

In another tweet, he said that they exchanged views on the fishermen issue and agreed that bilateral mechanisms should meet early.

“Recognized the importance of greater tourism for economic recovery. Also noted the importance of P2P linkages through greater connectivity.”

“We will mark 75 years of our independence and diplomatic relations in a suitable way,” Jaishankar tweeted.