Bulgaria's President Georgi Parvanov, who is on a working visit to Sri Lanka, and his counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa have agreed there is potential for further developing bilateral political dialogue and cooperation in the economic, cultural and other sectors.

This becomes clear from a joint press release, issued on Sunday by the Sri Lanka Foreign Ministry.

The statement adds that the two sides enjoy excellent cooperation in the framework of the UN and other international organizations.

“During the meeting, Sri Lankan President informed the visiting President about the efforts of the government in the process of post-conflict rehabilitation of the country, following the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), and the progress achieved towards that end.

“The Bulgarian side expressed its expectation that this process will be successfully completed on the basis of substantive participation of all ethno-religious communities, while preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sri Lanka, in accordance with the principles of democracy and the respect for human rights, including the return of the internally displaced persons.”

The two presidents have been unanimous in their stance that the development of EU-Sri Lanka relations contributes to the country’s prosperity. They have noted the mutual willingness for continuing the constructive dialogue for enhanced economic, trade and investment cooperation.

A business delegation from Bulgaria, which accompanied the visiting President, joined a Business Forum later in the day. A Cooperation Agreement was signed between the Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka and the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry which would aim to enhance private sector economic cooperation between the two countries.

President Georgi Parvanov arrived in Colombo on Saturday after visits to the Republic of Korea and Australia.

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