Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka who is on a visit to the middle East called on President Shimon Peres and President Mahmoud Abbas of Israel and Palestine respectively. During his stay in Israel Mr. Wickramanayaka held talks with the Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

The two leaders discussed developments in bilateral relations between the two countries since resumption of diplomatic relations. The two leaders agreed that there was potential for further cooperation in areas such as Investment and tourism. During the visit, an Agreement on the Cooperation in the Fields of Culture, Education and Science between the two countries was signed, states a press release from the Prime Minister's office. The Prime Minister addressed a well attended seminar on Business and Investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, organised by the Israeli Chamber of Commerce and Industries in Tel Aviv. The seminar was followed by several one to one business meetings during which several Israeli companies expressed their interest in investing in Sri Lanka and promoting tourism.

The Prime Minister also addressed the prestigious Israeli Council on Foreign Relations on the current situation in Sri Lanka. During his visit to Palestine he was warmly received by Palestinian leaders. The Prime Minister laid a wreath at the memorial of the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat before holding talks with President, Mahmoud Abbas. The Palestinian leader told Prime Minister Wickramanayaka that President Rajapaksa is held in high esteem by the Palestinian people who have named a street in Ramallah after him. President Abbas briefed the Prime Minister on the latest development in the Middle East Peace process.

The Prime Minister met several Palestinian businessmen at the newly opened Sri Lanka Representative Office in Ramallah. Mr. Wickramanayaka also visited Bethlehem where he was received by the Mayor of Bethlehem. The Prime Minister toured the Church of Nativity with the Mayor of Bethlehem. The Prime Minister will also be visiting Jordan in the course of the tour.

(Courtesy : Daily News)