Indian FM Natwar Singh arrives in Colombo

[TamilNet, Thursday, 09 June 2005, 13:22 GMT]
Mr. K.Natwar Singh, Indian External Affairs Minister, arrived in Colombo Thursday evening to attend the sixth session of the Indo-Sri Lanka Joint Commission scheduled to begin Friday. He told the press at the airport on his arrival that diplomatic relations between India and Sri Lanka will play a vital role in strengthening regional peace and stability.

Mr Singh added that India would contribute to the stability and lasting peace in Sri Lanka.

Diplomatic relations between India and Sri Lanka have been strengthened after tsunami disaster, Colombo media sources quoted Mr.Natwar Singh as saying to media persons.

Mr. Natwar Singh will hold wide-ranging discussions with a cross-section of Sri Lankan political leadership during his two day-visit. Mr.Natwar Singh will hold talks with Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse, Mr. Ranil Wickremasinghe, leader of the main opposition United National Party and other representatives of political parties, sources in Colombo said.

President Kumaratunge will host a dinner in honor of the visiting Minister.

Mr.Natwar Singh is scheduled to leave for India on 11 June.