President calls for regional cooperation in several areas

President?Maithripala Sirisena has?emphasized the need for regional cooperation in several areas, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement today.

The President had said that the future?priorities for Sri Lanka?are in?food security and sustainable domestic food production,?eradicating the drug menace including narcotics smuggling and environmental?protection and conservation.

Sirisena, who?returned to Sri Lanka yesterday after?concluding his State Visit to Maldives for the 50^th Anniversary of?Independence, called for regional cooperation in?these areas.

In the Maldives, the Sri Lankan President assured continued support?for the socio-economic development of Maldives. ?The discussions he had there placed particular emphasis on strengthening the economic?engagement between the two countries including in investments and tourism, the Foreign Ministry said.

Having?discussed various aspects of regional and international issues of concern, President?Sirisena articulated Sri Lanka?s approach of working with the international?community adhering to the objectives and principles of the United Nations, Commonwealth?and SAARC.

President?Sirisena also emphasized the need to invigorate the economic development in the?region with the sustainable use of natural resources, use of innovation and?technology to be the catalyst in the region?s development.

Minister?of Finance Ravi Karunanayake and senior officials as well the Actg. High?Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Maldives (Mrs) W.A.T. Gunatillake accompanied the?President for the meetings and events in Maldives. (Colombo Gazette)