Russia prepared to standby Sri Lanka as true friend in challenging times - Dy Energy Minister tells President

Russian Deputy Minister of Energy, Roman Marshavin emphasised that Russia is prepared to support Sri Lanka in facing any challenges arising from the Middle East conflict.

The Deputy Minister, who is currently on an official visit to the country, made this remark today (26) during a meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

Russian Deputy Energy Minister noted that Russia possesses a thorough understanding of the challenges Sri Lanka is facing amid the ongoing global crisis. 

He affirmed that Russia is prepared to support Sri Lanka in any form not only in the energy sector but also through technical, machinery and other means.

The Deputy Minister also expressed his sincere appreciation for the warm reception he received in Sri Lanka and conveyed his confidence that the long-standing relations between Sri Lanka and Russia will be further strengthened during this visit.

Recalling the long-standing friendship between Sri Lanka and Russia, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted that the technical and industrial assistance provided by the Soviet Union to Sri Lanka in the past was a great support for Sri Lanka’s economic and social development at that time.

The President further highlighted that, in recent years, Russia has remained among the leading countries sending the highest number of tourists to Sri Lanka, the statement said. 

The President also expressed his appreciation for Russia’s support in providing educational opportunities to a large number of Sri Lankan students, as well as for the ongoing socio-cultural ties between the two countries and the assistance Russia extends to Sri Lanka in international affairs.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake further expressed his confidence that the Deputy Minister’s visit would contribute to the further strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries, it added.

The occasion was attended on behalf of the Sri Lankan Government by Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Energy, Kumar Jayakody, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Roshan Gamage. 

The Russian delegation present included Ambassador of Russia to Sri Lanka, Levan S. Dzhagaryan, Director of the Department for International Cooperation, Ministry of Energy of Russia, Vladimir Khazov and Deputy Head of the Department for Commercial Development of Mineral Oil-Related Services Projects Sergey Rodin.

--PMD--