US reaffirms support to Sri Lanka

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – The United States has reaffirmed its partnership with the people of Sri Lanka and the commitment to supporting the country’s development and sovereignty.

US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo has held discussions with Minister of Foreign Relations Dinesh Gunawardena to reaffirm the commitment to strengthen bilateral ties.

The US State Department in a statement said Secretary Pompeo and Foreign Minister Gunawardena discussed areas of mutual interest in combating the COVID-19 pandemic and shared commitment to economic stability and sustainable growth.

The two leaders also had discussed the United States’ ongoing COVID-19 assistance to Sri Lanka, which totals almost $6 million to date, and reviewed the longstanding US-Sri Lankan cooperation on health and humanitarian issues.

Additionally, the Secretary and the Foreign Minister have discussed matters on shared democratic traditions, respect for human rights, and the importance of transparency for the long-term stability and prosperity of citizens of both countries.