President opens 3-day state visit to South Korea

President Maithripala Sirisena  arrived at the Incheon International Airport in Seoul this morning (November 28) for a 3-day state visit to Republic of Korea on an invitation extended by the Korean President Moon Jae-in.

He was received by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cho Hyun, Chief of National Security, Chung Eyi-yong and other high dignitaries. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tilak Marapana and Minister Daya Gamage, who arrived in Seoul yesterday, Sri Lankan Ambassador Manisha Gunasekera was also present at the airport.

Ministers Dr Sarath Amunugama and Ranjith Siyambalapitiya also arrived with the President and two other ministers Malik Samarawickrema and Thalatha Athukorale are expected to join the delegation later.

The President who arrived at the Grand Hyatt,  was received by Hyatt Area Vice President Adrian Slater. While two Sri Lankan children, Dhanumitha and Numasha presented bouquets and paid respect to the President touching his feet in traditional manner, a Korean Girl in the colourful traditional kimono welcomed the President with a bouquet. Two Director Generals of Foreign Ministry, Kapila Jayaweera and Waruna Wilpatha were also present.

The visit takes place in conjunction with the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea. President Sirisena and President Moon jae-in are scheduled to hold summit discussions at the Cheong Wa Dae or the Blue House, the official residence of President Moon tomorrow (November 29),

Following which a bilateral meeting will be held with the participation of visiting Sri Lankan Ministers and Korean Ministers.

Agreements on economic cooperation, economic development cooperation fund (EDCF) and cultural cooperation, as well as MoUs on investment cooperation and the Employment Permit System (EPS) are to be signed between the two Governments during the visit. There are about 30,000 Sri Lankan workers employed in Korea.

President Sirisena will visit Jogyesa Temple, an ancient Korean Buddhist shrine this afternoon.

He will pay respects at the Memorial Tower, the national monument for the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the motherland.

President Sirisena is also scheduled to attend a business forum and discuss with four major Korean Business associations, all potential major investors.