Japan will continue to stand by Sri Lanka as it becomes hub of Indian Ocean - FM

The Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa conveyed Japan’s intension to further support Sri Lanka’s development by swiftly resuming existing ‘Yen loan projects’ once the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on debt restructuring is signed and the Sri Lankan government’s intention to swiftly conclude bilateral agreement is confirmed.

Addressing a joint media briefing this afternoon (04) with her Sri Lankan counterpart, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, Ms. Kamikawa expressed Japan’s intension to continue to support Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts for national reconciliation.

Meanwhile, she mentioned that various reforms that Sri Lanka is currently undertaking are all essential for the normalization of the Sri Lanka’s economy. 

“Furthermore, Japan and Sri Lanka are both island nations surrounded by the sea.  Japan intends to further strengthen co-operation with Sri Lanka in the maritime domain in order to realize an open Indo-Pacific”, the Japanese Foreign Minister expressed.

Additionally, she revealed that Japan will offer an equipped vessel to be used for compiling maritime data and charts based on a request made by Sri Lanka.

The Japanese envoy said Japan is hopeful that Sri Lanka will bring itself back on track for economic development as soon as possible and make further progress as the hub in the Indian Ocean. 

“Japan will continue to stand by Sri Lanka through this endeavor”, she added.