The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Spain Mr. José Manuel Garcia-Margallo y Marfil called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees this morning.
The discussion focused on strengthening both diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations. The Minister also spoke of Spain’s struggle with fighting terrorism and told President Rajapaksa that Spain understands well the impact of terrorism because his country too has suffered from it for many years.
President Rajapaksa explained the many different measures Sri Lanka took to address the immediate post-war needs of the North and East, including demining, resettlement, reconstruction and rehabilitation.
“I believe it’s much better to let the society rehabilitate them,” President Rajapaksa said about the Government’s decision to quickly release ex-LTTE cadres back to society.
“It’s the right way to go, but it’s not easy,” Minister Margallo responded.
The President also described how educational opportunities have drastically improved in the former war-affected areas. He explained how, earlier, students in the North and East had very few educational facilities in the midst of war which caused them to lag behind their counterparts in other parts of the country. However, now, students from that region are among the ones who perform the best from the entire island in national exams.
While strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Minister said his country is also particularly interested in enhancing economic relations with Sri Lanka. He further said that Spain is considering a more permanent representation from Spain to Sri Lanka.
Mr. Margallo also requested Sri Lanka to consider supporting Spain’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the term 2015-2016. In addition to the five permanent members, the UNSC comprises of ten non-permanent members who are elected for two-year terms. President Rajapaksa said his Government will take the request into consideration.
Prior to the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Margallo said Spain is looking forward to a visit by President Rajapaksa.
A high-member delegation, including the Honorary Consul of Spain in Sri Lanka Ms. Priya Jayawardane, accompanied the Minister.
Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Monitoring MP of the Ministry of External Affairs Mr. Sajin de Vass Gunawardena, Secretary to the President Mr. Lalith Weeratunga and Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs Mrs. Kshenuka Senewiratne were present for the meeting.
