Sri Lanka and Israel have agreed to expand bilateral relations. Several agreements had also been reached during the talks held between the President and the Israeli Prime Minister.
President Rajapaksa and Israeli Prime Minister Banjamin Netanyahu during their bilateral discussions had agreed to further strengthen relations in a number of sectors including trade, agriculture and culture. The bilateral discussions between the President and the Israeli Prime Minister were held at the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem today.
In the area of agriculture, Israel agreed to provide technological assistance, including support to expand the scope of utilizing the drip irrigation system in Sri Lanka. Another water-related technology that was discussed was desalination, a process through which potable water is produced from sea water.
Information technology and employment were other areas identified for strengthening cooperation between the two countries. The two leaders agreed to work towards increasing employment in this sector as well as seasonal employment in agriculture. President Rajapaksa thanked the Israeli Prime Minister for the humanitarian assistance provided to Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami.
The President is the first Sri Lankan leader to visit Israel since its establishment. First Lady Shiranthi Wickremasighe Rajapaksa joined the President in this visit.
Israel’s National Defence Adviser Yossi Cohen, Head of the National Information Director’s Office Liran Dan, Israel’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alon Ushpiz, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer were present at these discussions. Sri Lanka was represented at the talks by Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris, External Affairs Ministry supervision MP Sajin Vass Gunawardena, Parliamentarian Roshan Ranasinghe, President’s Secretary Lalith Weeratunge and Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Israel Sarath Wijsinghe.
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