The Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa conveyed Japan’s intension to further support Sri Lanka’s development by swiftly resuming existing ‘Yen loan projects’ once the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on debt restructuring is signed and the Sri Lankan government’s intention to swiftly conclude bilateral agreement is confirmed.
Addressing a joint media briefing yesterday (04) with her Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabry, Kamikawa expressed Japan’s intension to continue to support Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts for national reconciliation.
Meanwhile, she mentioned that various reforms that Sri Lanka is currently undertaking are all essential for the normalization of the Sri Lanka’s economy.
“Furthermore, Japan and Sri Lanka are both island nations surrounded by the sea. Japan intends to further strengthen co-operation with Sri Lanka in the maritime domain in order to realize an open Indo-Pacific”, the Japanese Foreign Minister expressed.
Additionally, she revealed that Japan will offer an equipped vessel to be used for compiling maritime data and charts based on a request made by Sri Lanka.
The Japanese envoy said Japan is hopeful that Sri Lanka will bring itself back on track for economic development as soon as possible and make further progress as the hub in the Indian Ocean.
“Japan will continue to stand by Sri Lanka through this endeavour”, she added.
Japanese FM appreciates president’s efforts
Japan Foreign Minister Kamikawa, met President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat.
Foreign Minister Kamikawa appreciated the President’s efforts to overcome the economic crisis, as well as pursuing an ambitious economic reforms agenda.
During the discussions with President Wickremesinghe, Minister Yōko Kamikawa, stated her Government’s intention to resume the Yen denominated loans and the stalled Japanese investment initiatives including the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) expansion project and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project.
The deliberation also encompassed discussions on the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) pertaining to debt restructuring in Sri Lanka.
Minister Kamikawa, who is an ardent supporter of women’s rights and gender equality, appreciated the President’s efforts to bring about necessary legislation in the country regarding this vital matter.
The President expressed his thanks to the Government and people of Japan for their support for Sri Lanka during the country’s hour of need.
He stressed that the cooperation between Sri Lanka and Japan must be strengthened, which will only serve to benefit both countries.
The President was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry, Senior Advisor on National Security and the Chief-of-Staff to the President, Sagala Ratnayaka, Secretary to the President, Saman Ekanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aruni Wijewardena, Senior Advisor on Economic Affairs, Dr. R. H. S. Samaratunga and Director of International Affairs Dinouk Colombage.
(Ada Derana/PMD)
