Putin congratulates President on C’wealth Chairmanship

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a phone conversation this evening, congratulated President Mahinda Rajapaksa on the assumption of the Commonwealth Chair in Office. 

President Putin also reiterated his government’s desire to continue the strong bilateral relations with Colombo, a sentiment that President Rajapaksa reciprocated, the President’s Media Unit said. 

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2013 concluded Sunday (Nov. 17). As the Head of Government of the host nation, President Rajapaksa assumes the Chair in Office of the Commonwealth for the next two years.

This year’s CHOGM focused on the theme “Growth with Equity; Inclusive Development.” The next CHOGM – in 2015 – will take place in Malta.