Japanese Finance Minister Suzuki Shunichi who visited Sri Lanka last week, expressed strong admiration for President Ranil Wickremesinghe, noting significant improvements in Sri Lanka’s economy.
He highlighted the positive trends in GDP and inflation indicators, attributing the progress to the President’s strong leadership. The Minister conveyed his deep respect for President Wickremesinghe’s demonstrated leadership in achieving these economic improvements.
The President expressed profound appreciation for Japan’s lead role in addressing Sri Lanka’s debt issues. The talks encompassed future collaborations, emphasising areas such as information-technology cooperation, maritime-security collaboration, resumption of stalled projects, long-term bilateral cooperation, finalisation of debt restructuring agreements and pipeline projects.
Both leaders expressed mutual appreciation for the ongoing support and cooperation between their nations.
President Wickremesinghe conveyed his gratitude, emphasising Japan’s crucial role in Sri Lanka’s current standing.
Acknowledging the swift resolution of recent challenges, he expressed confidence in the deepening ties between the two nations.
President Wickremesinghe stressed the need for further collaboration, particularly in the realms of a competitive Green Economy and a Digital Economy.
Stressing the importance of focusing on exports to enhance the trade balance, he expressed optimism for the realisation of a new economic model in Sri Lanka.
President Wickremesinghe affirmed his commitment to foster closer ties between the two countries, laying the groundwork for future cooperation.
The Japanese Finance Minister expressed his gratitude to President Wickremesinghe’s update and emphasised the value of transparent and comparable debt restructuring. Addressing the recent suspension of yen loans due to a debt crisis, Minister Suzuki outlined the potential resumption of yen loans pending the conclusion of an MoU at the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) and continued debt sustainability monitored by the IMF. The discussions aimed at fortifying the ties and lay the groundwork for a more robust and cooperative economic relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka.
