Sri Lankan President visits Thailand

BANGKOK, November 2 (TNA) - Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena is paying an official visit to Thailand, scheduled for November 1-4, as the guest of the Thai government, marking the 60th anniversary celebration of diplomatic relations between Colombo and Bangkok. Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha received the visiting Sri Lankan president at Bangkok's Government House on November 2, with the official reception ceremony including a unit of guards of honor taking place in front of the Thai Khu Fah Building in the compound of the Thai government seat. Both the Sri Lankan and Thai leaders then held bilateral discussions on the promotion of religious, cultural, trade and investment cooperation between the two allied countries, as well as increase in tourism and other fields of partnership at regional and international levels. Besides, both sides agreed to further expand cooperation while marking the 60th anniversary celebration of their diplomatic relations this year. The Sri Lankan president, meanwhile, expressed Colombo's readiness to expand bilateral cooperation and emphasized celebrations for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Thailand. The visiting Sri Lankan president and the Thai prime minister then exchanged commemorative stamps relating to the anniversary. The Sri Lankan president and the Thai prime minister are scheduled to preside over a ceremony to bring Buddha relics to a temporary showcase at the Buddhamonthon Auditorium in Buddha Monthon District of Bangkok's adjacent Nakhon Pathom Province on Monday afternoon. At 7pm, the Thai prime minister is scheduled to then host a dinner reception in honor of the Sri Lankan president. (TNA)