Japan-Sri Lanka Relations
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Holds an Informal Meeting with the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka
October 4, 2015
On October 4, commencing at 9:10 a.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Summit Meeting with the Hon. Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, who is visiting Kyoto. The overview is as follows.
1. Opening remarks
(1) Prime Minister Abe welcomed Prime Minister Wickremesinghe on his first visit to Japan in approximately seven years, and his participation in the Science and Technology for Society Forum (STS Forum).
(2) Prime Minister Wickremesinghe replied that he is happy to be able to visit Japan, and intends to use this visit as an opportunity for further strengthening the bilateral relationship with Japan.
(2) Prime Minister Wickremesinghe replied that he is happy to be able to visit Japan, and intends to use this visit as an opportunity for further strengthening the bilateral relationship with Japan.
2. Bilateral relations
(1) Prime Minister Abe explained that a moving address advocating the sovereignty of Japan that was given at the San Francisco Conference by former President of Sri Lanka J.R. Jayewardene remains in Japanese people's hearts today as the foundation of the relationship of friendship. Prime Minister Abe also stated that he senses a bond with Sri Lanka, including that his grandfather, Nobusuke Kishi, was the first Japanese Prime Minister ever to visit Sri Lanka. Additionally, Prime Minister Abe expressed confidence that the traditional relationship of friendship between Japan and Sri Lanka will grow even stronger as a result of Prime Minister Wickremesinghe's visit to Japan.
(2) In response, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe stated that the two countries have enjoyed a long, traditional friendship since the end of World War II, and from 70 years ago Sri Lanka hoped Japan would perform a role in the international community. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe explained that the two countries' leaders, including former Prime Minister Kishi, have enjoyed deep relationships, and he intends to build a broad cooperative relationship with Prime Minister Abe in politics and the economy.
(2) In response, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe stated that the two countries have enjoyed a long, traditional friendship since the end of World War II, and from 70 years ago Sri Lanka hoped Japan would perform a role in the international community. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe explained that the two countries' leaders, including former Prime Minister Kishi, have enjoyed deep relationships, and he intends to build a broad cooperative relationship with Prime Minister Abe in politics and the economy.