The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Solomon Islands has established formal diplomatic relations on 3rd July 2013.
Dr. Palitha Kohona, the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, signed the Joint Communiqué on behalf of Sri Lanka, while Mr. Collin D. Beck, the Permanent Representative of Solomon Islands to the United Nations, signed on behalf of Solomon Islands.
Dr. Kohona spoke of the similarities in the experiences of Solomon Islands and Sri Lanka as members of the Commonwealth. He also drew parallels to the similarities of the island cultures. Today, the two countries share similar goals as developing countries, both internationally and domestically. Sri Lanka having reached middle income status, and having achieved most of the MDGs, would be happy to share its experiences with Solomon Islands.
Mr. Beck expressed Solomon Island’s interest in learning more about Sri Lanka and capitalizing on this new beginning. He also noted that the establishment of diplomatic ties would give Solomon Islands the opportunity to learn from Sri Lanka and to further cooperate in the political, socio-economic and cultural fields.
Both Permanent Representatives expressed their expectation that the establishment of diplomatic relations will be a new beginning and would significantly contribute to the consolidation of bilateral relations, particularly, the promotion of economic and cultural relations, and people to people contact between the two countries.
Source: http://www.asiantribune.com/