President undertakes visit to Israel, Palestine!

''Israel and Sri Lanka renewed diplomatic ties in 2000, and reportedly have a robust military relationship. Israeli weaponry, including Kfir fighter jets and Dvora fast attack boats helped Sri Lanka to defeat the Tigers terrorists in 2009.''     The Island  December 26, 2013, 8:59 pm 

President undertakes visit to Israel, Palestine
December 26, 2013, 8:59 pm

The Island By Ifham Nizam

President Mahinda Rajapaksa accompanied by a top delegation, would shortly visit Israel and Palestine, a Presidential Secretariat official said.

He said the four day tour in January would involve a number of discussions with a special focus on strengthening economic ties with the two countries. President Rajapaksa would spend two days in Israel and the other two days in Palestine.

Top agenda for President Rajapaksa would be his meetings with Israeli President Shimon Peres and Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas, the official said.

President Rajapaksa will discuss ways and means of promoting bilateral relations and opportunities for further cooperation in various fields such as agriculture, tourism, trade and employment.

The Island learns that President Rajapaksa led delegation will discuss holding annual consultations which they believe will provide a solid platform to further strengthen multifaceted relations and promote closer economic cooperation for mutual benefit between Sri Lanka and these two nations.

Sri Lanka and Israel held their first bilateral consultation on enhancing trade ties last year. This came immediately after Palestinian President Muhammad Abbas toured Sri Lanka and signed several agreements.

Recently discussions were held between External Affairs Secretary Karunatilaka Amunugama and Ruth Kahanoff, head of Asia and the Pacific department of the Israeli foreign ministry. Both were heading their respective delegation at bilateral consultations.

Israel recently also agreed to offer more employment opportunities for Sri Lankans.

Israel and Sri Lanka renewed diplomatic ties in 2000, and reportedly have a robust military relationship. Israeli weaponry, including Kfir fighter jets and Dvora fast attack boats helped Sri Lanka to defeat the Tigers terrorists in 2009.

http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=94791