Wickremesinghe and Abe met in Kyoto on the sidelines of an International Science and Technology Conference and the two leaders will meet on Tuesday for bilateral talks.

At the meeting today it was decided that a high-level committee will be formed to look at strengthening ties in all areas between both countries, including on the economic and political fronts.

Shinzō Abe said that he had no doubt the relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka which drew close under late President J.R. Jayawardena, will grow closer under President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Wickremesinghe will be in Japan till Wednesday. During his stay in Japan, the Prime Minister and his spouse will be received in audience by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan.

The visit aims at further strengthening the friendly relations between Japan and Sri Lanka.

(Colombo Gazette)