Continued assistance to Sri Lanka from Germany
Germany will continue its economic co-operation assistance to
Sri Lanka. German Federal Foreign Minister Dr. Frank Walter Steinmeier stated
this when he met Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama at the Foreign Office in
Berlin.
The two Ministers held extensive bilateral talks on wide
ranging issues with special emphasis on economic co-operation and the peace
process including efforts by the Government to find a lasting solution. The
Minister termed the visit as timely since he was able to address certain
concerns expressed by Germany recently, a spokesperson to the Foreign Minister
said.
Dr. Steinmeier was briefed by Mr Bogollagama on the on-going
efforts to evolve a southern consensus on a political solution to the ethnic
issue. Appreciating the Minister's visit, Dr. Steinmeier said it will contribute
to sustain the warmth of the bi-lateral relationship the two countries have
enjoyed.
German Parliamentary members overseeing aid to Sri Lanka also
echoed continued assistance when they met the Foreign Minister. Mr Bogollagama
met three hi-powered parliamentary committees - Economic Co-operation
Development, Foreign Affairs and the South Asia Parliamentary Group, yesterday,
on his second-day of the German tour.
During the three meetings which lasted for over four hours,
the Minister explained the Government's position and strategies with regard to
the peace process.
German Government members and delegates have re-affirmed their
commitment to oppose terrorism. The Minister urged for their help to bring the
LTTE to agree for a peaceful settlement.
Minister Bogollagama has expressed his commitment for
transparency assuring that the message of Sri Lanka would be conveyed in a most
transient manner and clarity without leaving any room for distortion of facts.
He vouched for a very vibrant awareness programme that would reflect Sri Lanka's
standpoint.
The Minister was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha
Kohona and Sri Lankan Ambassador in Germany Jayantha Palipana. Mr Bogollagama
earlier made a brief visit to New Delhi where he had cordial discussions with
the Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister Pranab
Mukerjee. |
