President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad: All regional countries want a powerful Sri Lanka

Ahmadinejad made the remark in a ceremony held to officially welcome his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapkse in Tehran.

Ahmadinejad voiced support for stability, independence and unity in Sri Lanka and said this would benefit the countries of the region.

Iran and Sri Lanka enjoy historical and cultural commonalties and there are huge economic and cultural capabilities which can be used to further bolster and broaden mutual relations, he said.

Both Iran and Sri Lanka advocate peace, friendship and brotherhood in the world, he said, adding that it is necessary that the two sides' political ties should be at the same level as their economic and commercial relations.

There is very good understanding between the two countries which paves the way for expansion of all-out ties between the two states, Ahmadinejad said.
 
He expressed the hope that the visit of the Sri Lankan president to Tehran would be a big step towards broadening ties between the two countries. The Sri Lankan president, for his part, expressed satisfaction with his current visit to Tehran and said Sri Lanka considers Iran as its real friend. Given the two sides potentials in various fields, Iran and Sri Lanka can further broaden ties, he said.

Sri Lanka politically supports Iran at international fora, he said.

He also thanked President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for his country's cooperation in extending Sri Lankan oil refinery.