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The two leaders exchanged views on bilateral relations and agreed on the need to have more exchanges at various levels to promote relations further between the two island nations which share many similarities.
On behalf of President Rajapaksa, the Prime Minister extended an invitation to - President Christofias to visit Sri Lanka at a convenient time and the Cypriot President accepted the invitation with pleasure. The Prime Minister suggested that the delegation be accompanied by a business delegation to promote trade and other business relations.
The Cypriot President reciprocated the sentiments expressed by the Prime Minister regarding the warm relations between the two countries and said that Cyprus would continue to support Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In view of their own experience, the people of Cyprus well understood the situation in Sri Lanka. He said it was the legitimate right of a ‘country to fight against terrorism within its borders. He was aware of the presence of a large number of Sri Lankans in Cyprus and his Government would implement progressive policies to make the life of Sri Lankans employed in Cyprus more comfortable.
The Cypriot President briefed the Prime Minister on the status of discussions between the two sides for unification of Cyprus.
The Prime Minister also called on the President of the House of Representatives Mr. Marios Garogyian and discussed the relations between the two countries at Parliamentary level. Mr. Garogyian recalled the visit of the Speaker of Sri Lankan Parliament recently and said that he was looking forward to visit Sri Lanka with a Parliamentary delegation in the near future.
