This is a historic year for India-Sri Lanka relations: PM Narendra Modi

New Delhi, Sept 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sept 15, Tuesday held talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

During a joint statement, PM Modi said that this is a historic year for India-Sri Lanka relations.

"As a close neighbour and a friend, we wish Sri Lanka every success, rejoice in your progress", PM Modi said.

Modi further said that both of them have expressed hope that progress on key bilateral initiatives and projects will gather speed now.

"Your progress is important for our two countries. PM Wickremesinghe and I had an excellent discussion today on common development. We would like to see our trade grow and become more stable with Sri Lanka", Modi said.

"I assured Prime Minister Wickremesinghe of continuing commitment to our development partnership. This is a relationship that touches the hearts of ordinary Indians and Sri Lankans", he said.

Modi also discussed about sensitive Indian fishermen issue with the Sri Lankan PM.

"We agreed that fishermen associations on both sides should continue efforts to find a solution", Modi said.

While mentioning about Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakara, Modi said, "We just finished an absorbing test series. We shall all miss the great Kumar Sangakara on the Cricket field."

On his part, Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe said the they had a long discussion on different areas concerning the two countries.

"Peace and stability in the region is key to our success. When there is stability we prosper. We look forward to a permanent cooperation in economic investment, technology from India:, he said.

66-year-old Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe arrived in New Delhi on Sept 14, Monday on a three- day visit, in his first overseas trip after assuming the top office for the fourth term.

On Wednesday, Sept 16, Wickremesinghe will call on President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhawan and hold talks.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Finance Minister Arun Jaitely, Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu, Coal and Power Minister Piyush Goyal, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will also meet the Sri Lankan Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Modi, during his visit to Sri Lanka in March this year, had said both countries should move boldly to conclude the pact and attract investments.

PM Narendra Modi & Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe witness signing of agreements in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/gbFv6QFa0i

— ANI (@ANI_news) September 15, 2015

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