MS to leave for Russia today

President Maithripala Sirisena leaves for Russia today on an official invitation made by the Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Media Division said.

They said this official invitation was received for the Sri Lankan Head of State to visit Russia after 44 years and today’s visit would be the first official visit to Russia by a Sri Lankan leader since 1974, when Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike visited Moscow.

During the visit, President Sirisena is scheduled to sign several bilateral agreements in the areas of economics, trade, tourism, science and technology sector, cultural and education cooperation, which brings many developmental benefits to Sri Lanka, the media Division said.

“The proposed bilateral discussions with the Russian President are expected to be discussed in detail regarding the ways to further strengthen the ties between the two countries. Many Political and International relations experts point out that this official invitation by the Russian President Vladimir Putin as a powerful leader in the world signifies an important milestone in the government’s foreign relations.

The President is also scheduled to attend a ceremony organized to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and he will also attend a Sri Lanka-russia Business Forum, which is organized to further promote trade and investment between the two countries,” the Media Unit said. The Soviet Union established diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka in 1956. Sri Lankan value added tea exports to Russia are around 17% and at present there are strong economic ties between the two countries. President Maithripala Sirisena’s visit to Russia will write a new chapter in the longstanding friendly relationships between the two countries.

The President had decided not to use a special flight even on this significant visit and the President and his delegation would visit Russia by an ordinary passenger flight, PMD said. “Even during his previous visits, the President and his delegation did not use any special flights as it was a principle,” it said.

According to the Russian Government’s culture, officially invited State leaders and the delegation should arrive by a special flight to a special terminal to be offer edspecial greetings. Despite the special welcome ceremony by the Russian Army, President Sirisena had decided to leave for Russia by an ordinary passenger flight.