Prime Minister of South Korea Chung Sye-kyun has called Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa this morning (20), and the two leaders discussed a number of areas of mutual bilateral interest while expressing the desire to further enhance relations between the two countries. 

While congratulating Prime Minister Rajapaksa on the victory at the recently-concluded General Election, Prime Minister Chung said he looks forward to continue working with Sri Lanka to further strengthen bilateral relations, the PM’s Office said. 

The two leaders also discussed further technical assistance for the Ocean University, for which the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has already provided assistance. 

“I hope we can continue to collaborate on this project to expand it,” Prime Minister Rajapaksa was quoted as saying. 

Other areas discussed included investment and tourism, according to the statement.

“When the situation [with the pandemic] improves and air travel is back to normal, I would like to request your support in encouraging your investors to consider investing in Sri Lanka,” Prime Minister Rajapaksa said. “We also want to increase tourism from Korea.” 

Prime Minister Rajapaksa extended an invitation to Prime Minister Chung to visit Sri Lanka after the COVID-19 situation is under control, and the Korean Prime Minister, noting that he has never visited Sri Lanka before, expressed interest in a visit.