President Sirisena to arrive in Seoul tomorrow

President Sirisena arrives  in Seoul tomorrow  (November 28) opening a three day state visit to Republic of Korea on an invitation extended by the Korean President Moon Jae-in.

The visit takes place in conjunction with the 40th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Republic of Korea.

When the President visits the Cheong Wa Dae or the Blue House, the official residence of President Moon, on Wednesday he will be ceremoniously received and a Guard of Honour with 21 gun salute will be offered. The two leaders will discuss matters of mutual interest to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, 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.

The EPS agreement will be a significant move as over 30,000 Sri Lankans are already employed in Korea. The agreement on establishing an employment permit system will assist current and future Sri Lankan workers ion Korea. More employment opportunities for Sri Lankan workers in Korea are important areas beneficial to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has highly beneficial economic and investment ties with South Korea. Furthermore.

President Sirisena on Tuesday evening will visit Jogyesa Temple, an ancient Korean Buddhist shrine, and on Wednesday morning will pay respects at the Memorial Tower, memorial to remember the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the motherland.

The President will also meet with the Sri Lankan community on Tuesday evening.

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

President Sirisena's visit to Korea is expected to draw substantial results in bilateral cooperation, investment, trade and commerce and employment.

President is due to end his official visit, the first after assuming office as President on Thursday evening.