learnedutoday
During his visit to Sri Lanka, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi expressed readiness to bolster ties not only with Sri Lanka but also with other Asian nations, marking the first visit by an Iranian president to the island nation in 16 years.
As part of the visit, the two countries are poised to ink five pacts, or Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), representing a significant step forward in bilateral cooperation. This visit marks only the second of its kind since April 2008 when Iran’s then-president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, visited Sri Lanka.
Inaugurating a $514-million hydro power project, President Raisi pledged Iran’s support for development initiatives in Sri Lanka by offering technical and engineering expertise.
“We are fully committed to enhancing bilateral relations with all Asian countries, our neighboring nations, and other sovereign and independent states,” remarked President Raisi.
Highlighting Sri Lanka’s alignment with Iran’s policies, President Raisi emphasized the potential for cooperation to foster a prosperous future for both nations.
The hydro power project, initially agreed upon in 2010, faced financial challenges exacerbated by US sanctions against Iran. Despite hurdles, the project, aimed at contributing 120MW to the national grid while providing water to 6,000 hectares of farmland and drinking water to numerous families across three districts, has come to fruition.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe underscored the importance of strengthening commonalities among nations belonging to the global south. He emphasized the need for solidarity among countries in the southern hemisphere, reflecting the shared aspirations for independence and identity beyond the legacy of the Cold War.
Haseeb Abdullah
