Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who is here on a two-day official visit ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival next week, said India and Sri Lanka were bound by ties of history, geography and culture, and their destinies were intertwined.

Speaking at a dinner hosted by her Sri Lankan counterpart Mangala Samaraweera, she said the past year had been remarkable in the history of both the countries as people voted for change, which had brought new momentum to the bilateral relationship.

“Our partnership must therefore, progress in the spirit of being the closest of neighbours and friends, whose destinies are intertwined.

“Let me raise a toast for India-Sri Lanka friendship and the well-being and prosperity of the people of two countries,” she added.

Ms Swaraj said her visit was part of the high-level engagement with the new Government of Sri Lanka and it also gave an opportunity to close the gaps, prior to the visit of Mr Modi.

“He is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka on March 13 and 14. As you are aware, the visit is the first bilateral of a Prime Minister of India since 1987,” she said.

She said President Maithripala Sirisena`s visit to India in February “was a successful visit” during which both sides inked four agreements.

“Our countries signed four agreements and MoUs. Prime Minister Modi announced a reduction of entry fees for Sri Lankan citizens visiting the National Museum to pay homage to the Kapilvastu relics.

“He also accepted President Sirisena`s invitation to visit Sri Lanka,” she said.

She said, “The past year has been remarkable in the history of both our countries. People in both the countries have voted for change. This has brought new momentum to the bilateral relationship.”

“India and Sri Lanka are bound by ties of history, geography and culture. Our partnership must therefore, progress in the spirit of being the closest of neighbours and friends, whose destinies are intertwined,” she said.