TIA Correspondent /
India and Sri Lanka have decided to intensify co-operation in comabting terrorism. They believed that the tow countries have a huge stake in each other’s success, stability and development in the Asian region.
In his press statement after holding talks with visiting Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, the two countries will intensify cooperation in combating terrorism and work together for security and stability in the neighbourhood.
Mr Modi said, Sri Lanka is India’s largest partner in defence training programme which will be expanded further.
Assuring India’s unwavering support to Sri Lanka, Mr Modi sought support for Indian investors in the economic development of the island nation in different sectors particularly in infrastructure, energy and transport.
He also offered support to strengthen connectivity between the two countries to deepen human and economic links. The Prime Minister also discussed with his counterpart the fishermen issue and it was agreed that fishermen associations on both the sides should continue their efforts to find a solution to the problem which is a humanitarian issue affecting livelihood.
Mr Modi informed Mr Wickremesinghe that steps are being taken to encourage Indian fishermen to take up deep sea fishing.
In his press statement, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said he discussed with Mr Modi different issues which concern the two countries.
He said, trade and economic cooperation with India are nothing new and has been going on for over two thousand years.
He said, the two countries have deeper cooperation in security matters but there is still scope for cooperation in this areas and combating terrorism.
Earlier, the two countries signed four pacts. The key MoUs are exchange of letters on establishment of emergency ambulance services in Sri Lanka and supply of medical equipment to 200 bed ward complex at district hospital, Vavuniya.
Earlier during the restricted talks, Ranil Wickremesinghe and Narendra Modi deliberated on a host of issues affecting both the countries.
Mr. Wickremesinghe arrived in New Delhi on Monday. The Sri Lankan Prime Minister will call on President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Tuesday.