ANKARA (AA) - January 24, 2013 - Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Ankara and Turkey's Ambassador in Colombo came together as first diplomatic representatives appointed from both countries in Ankara on Thursday.
Appointed a couple of months ago, Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Ankara, Bharathi Wijeratne and Iskender Okyay, Turkey's newly appointed Ambassdor in Colombo, came together with press members at Sri Lanka's newly opened Embassy in Ankara.
With the appointment of both ambassadors, for the first time Turkey and Sri Lanka will be represented mutually in the level of Ambassadorship after the 106 years old consular level relations.
Speaking at the joint press meeting, both Wijeretna and Okyay stated their appreciation over the formation of embassies and raising the level of diplomatic relations.
They added, the economic relations of both countries would increase after the opening of embassies.
Turkish Ambassador Okyay said the trade figures between two countries were not showing the potentials.
Wijeratne announced that Turkish Airlines (THY) would start flying regularly between Turkey and Sri Lanka adding they want to develop their bilateral relations and the President of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa would pay a visit to Turkey in the near future.
THY flights will start on February 4.
Terror issue is one of the common topic of Turkey and Sri Lanka. For years, Sri Lanka came out against separatist militant organization "The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam" or known as "Tamil Tigers" and concluded this problem four years ago.
Wijeratne expressed that previously they sat on the table to negotiate with Tamil Tigers, international mediators came into play but they did not achieve any results. He added, they finally won the armed struggle.
Furthermore, Okyay added, combating terrorism was an international topic and he drew attentions to the support which needs to be given to countries who combat terrorism.
Okyay suggested, they may take advantage of Sri Lanka's experience on combating terrorism.
