Meeting between Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Seiji Maehara and Minister of Plantations and Human Rights of Sri Lanka Mahinda Samarasinghe
February 14, 2011
Japanese
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On Monday, February 14, Mr. Seiji Maehara, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of Plantations and Human Rights of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- Minister Maehara expressed his respect for a high rate of Sri Lanka's economic growth since the end of the civil war, as well as progress in resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDP). He stated that he would like to further develop the friendly relationship between the two countries. Minister Maehara also extended his sympathy for those affected by the recent flood disaster in Sri Lanka, referring to Japan's humanitarian assistance.
- In response, Minister Samarasinghe expressed his gratitude for Japan's understanding and support during difficult time for Sri Lanka following the last years of the civil war. The Minister also stated that, as a new challenge after the conclusion of the civil war, the government would promote national unity among its people of diverse ethnicities to prevent the recurrence of conflict through its efforts in resettlement of IDP, reintegration of demobilized soldiers, and human rights issues.
- Minister Maehara noted that national tolerance is needed to accommodate diversity, and that a nation with tolerance has the potential to grow. In response, Minister Samarasinghe stated that Sri Lanka would like to succeed in peace building, following its success in eliminating terrorism.
- (*This is a provisional translation. The above date denotes the date of the issue of the original press release in Japanese.)
(END)
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