The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, A. H. Mahmood Ali, upon meeting President Maithripala Sirisena, had stated that Bangladesh would not hesitate to provide assistance to Sri Lanka, given the cordiality of the relationship between the two nations, according to the President’s Media Division.

President Maithripala Sirisena who is currently on a three-day state visit to Bangladesh met with the Bangladesh Foreign Minister at the Hotel Sonargaon yesterday (13).

The Foreign Minister had expressed his views and affirmed that President Sirisena’s visit to Bangladesh was an important milestone in the long-standing friendship between the two countries.

President Sirisena had reportedly taken the opportunity to express gratitude to the Government of Bangladesh for the warm welcome extended to the Sri Lankan delegation upon arrival. He had also said that Bangladesh was always a true friend to Sri Lanka, recalling with gratitude the assistance given by the Government of Bangladesh during the recent floods, as well as during the conflicts in the past.

I am no stranger to Bangladesh, the President also said, recalling his previous visits in the capacity of the Minister of Environment and the Minister of Health.

President Sirisena commended the progress made by Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and emphasized the need to take further steps to promote investment opportunities and trade relations between the two countries, the President’s Media Division reported.

According to Presidential media sources, Minister Ravi Karunanayake, State Minister Wasantha Aluwihare, and Deputy Ministers Mohan Lal Grero and Nishantha Muthuhettigama were also present at said encounter.