South Korean President lauds Lanka’s development vision
The South Korean President has lauded Sri Lanka’s future development vision. President Lee Myung-bak said Sri Lanka’s economy has grown steadily and its political situation stabilized due to President Rajapaksa’s leadership.
The South Korean President expressed these sentiments when he met President Rajapaksa at the South Korean President’s official Residence in Seoul. On arrival the President and his delegation were warmly greeted by the South Korean President and the First Lady. After a private discussion between the two leaders, another discussion was held with the participation of representatives of the two countries.
President Lee Myung-bak mentioned that more than 20,000 Sri Lankan workers are serving in his country. The President’s visit will further help to enhance these relations. The South Korean leader recalled the opportunity provided for Sri Lankans to work in South Korea when Mahinda Rajapaksa was serving as the Minister of Labour. South Korea has decided to increase the quota given for Sri Lankan workers as a tribute to the Sri Lankan President.
President Rajapaksa thanked his Korean counterpart for taking this initiative. The Korean President emphasized that trade, economic and investment as well as inter personal relations between the two countries should be further expanded. He was particularly interested in further consolidating relations on Parliamentary affairs between the two countries.
About 30 percent of the Korean population comprises Buddhists. President Rajapaksa proposed the launch of new air services for the Koraean Buddhists to maintain relations with Sri Lanka. President Rajapaksa requested his Korean counterpart to exploit the investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka. The total value of Sri Lankan exports to South Korea last year increased to 46 million US Dollars. President Rajapaksa referred to the possibilities available for the two countries to enter into a Free Trade Agreement. At the request of the Sri Lankan President, an agreement was reached to provide technical support to the Information Technological Park coming up in Hambantota and also to provide Korean Language teachers. It is only after 16 years that a Sri Lankan Head of State was touring South Korea.
The Presidential Media Unit said that the two leaders were satisfied that this visit has enabled both countries to enhance relations in all sectors.
