Japan-sl discuss Indo-pacific policy, NK and China issues

and Chinese issues with Sri Lanka, a Japanese official who accompanied Mr. Onodera said yesterday.

Visiting Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera has discussed its Indo-pacific policy. North Korean

This official, who did not want to be named, told journalists that Mr. Onodera had discussed the proposed free and open Indopacific policy of Japan and requested Sri Lanka to cooperate with Japan to make this concept a success. “We consider Sri Lanka an important partner in implementing the free and open Indo-pacific policy and we requested Sri Lankan leaders to cooperate with us,” he said.

He said the visiting Japanese Minister also discussed the North Korean issue with Sri Lanka. “We told Sri Lankan officials to keep an eye the relationship which China enjoys with North Korea,” he added.

This official said Japan was looking forward to enhancing its bilateral relationship with Sri Lanka

Meanwhile Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told the visiting Japanese Defense Minister that Sri Lanka expects assistance from Japan to develop its ports, with particular reference to the Trincomalee Port.

The PM expressed these views when the Japanese minister called on him at Temple Trees on Tuesday evening.

The Premier said countries around the bay of Bengal will achieve a rapid growth in the coming years and that the Trincomalee harbour will play a vital role in this regard.

Minister Onodera had told the Premier that he expects to visit Trincomalee to see first-hand what makes this port so unique.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe highlighted the importance of signing a defence agreement with Japan. He said Sri Lanka remains committed to the freedom to use the Indian Ocean as was once highlighted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe.

We consider Sri Lanka an important partner in implementing the free and open Indopacific policy and we requested Sri Lankan leaders to cooperate with us