Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi Welcomed in Sri Lanka, Signs Cooperation Agreements

Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi and a high-ranking delegation were officially welcomed in Sri Lanka on April 25, 2024. During the visit, Iran and Sri Lanka signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at bolstering bilateral relations between the two countries. The agreements cover cooperation in the fields of film, media, tourism, cooperatives, libraries, and cultural, scientific, technical, and sports activities.

The MoUs were signed in the presence of Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi. President Raeisi also participated in a public ceremony to declare open the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project (UOMDP) and held one-on-one bilateral talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart. Raeisi was ceremonially welcomed by President Wickremesinghe with a guard of honor and other pageantry at Galle Face Green in Colombo.

During a joint press conference, President Raeisi emphasized that there are no obstacles to the development of political, economic, and cultural relations between Iran and Sri Lanka, and that the two governments are determined to promote cooperation in all fields. He stated that the relations between the two countries have entered a new stage and are developing, particularly after the victory of the Islamic revolution.

Raeisi called for the foreign ministers of the two countries to convene the joint commission to further develop trade and economic ties, especially in agriculture, science, and technology. He also addressed the ongoing situation in Palestine, expressing concern over the "continuous and horrific crimes" in Gaza and calling for the immediate cessation of attacks and unhindered access to humanitarian aid for the people of the region.

Why this matters: The visit by Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi to Sri Lanka and the signing of cooperation agreements mark a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The collaboration across various sectors, including culture, science, technology, and sports, holds the potential to nurture deeper ties and mutual benefits for both nations.

President Wickremesinghe expressed gratitude to President Raeisi for Iran's support during Sri Lanka's recent economic crisis and debt restructuring efforts. The inauguration of the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project, undertaken with Iran's technical expertise and financial resources, stands as a symbol of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. As Raeisi stated, "The project is a symbol of friendship between Iran and Sri Lanka and represents the desire for maximum cooperation, integration, harmony, and unity among Asian nations."

Key Takeaways

• Iranian President Raeisi visited Sri Lanka, signing 5 MoUs to bolster bilateral ties.
• The MoUs cover cooperation in film, media, tourism, cooperatives, libraries, and cultural/scientific activities.
• Raeisi and Wickremesinghe inaugurated the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project, a symbol of Iran-Sri Lanka friendship.
• Raeisi called for the foreign ministers to convene the joint commission to further develop trade and economic ties.
• The visit and agreements mark a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between Iran and Sri Lanka.