President Urges Expansion of Iran, Sri Lanka Ties after Sanctions Removal


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called for enhanced relations between Iran and Sri Lanka following a final nuclear agreement reached between Tehran and six world powers and the ensuing lifting of anti-Iran sanctions.

Speaking in a Sunday meeting in Tehran with Sri Lanka’s new ambassador to Iran, Rohana Jeet, President Rouhani stressed that Tehran and Colombo should boost their bilateral ties with the improved conditions that would be available after the nuclear agreement takes effect and the sanctions are lifted.

He further described the existing relations between Iran and Sri Lanka as good, underscoring that the two countries should make all-out efforts to improve ties based on the existing potentials.

For his part, Rohana Jeet, who submitted his credentials to President Rouhani, said that Sri Lanka is determined to deepen its close and friendly relations with Iran at the bilateral and international levels.

The envoy further said that Iran plays a leading role in the region as well as the world, adding that his country welcomes the conclusion of nuclear talks between and world powers and that Colombo is seeking to develop its ties with Tehran in various fields.

Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, US, Britain, France, and Germany) on July 14 reached a conclusion on a lasting nuclear agreement that would terminate all sanctions imposed on Tehran over its nuclear energy program after coming into force.