NAY PYI TAW, 14 June - A meeting between a delegation led by Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Thein Sein and a delegation led by Hon'ble President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa took place at the meeting hall of the Government Office here at 3.30 pm today.

Also present on the occasion together with Prime Minister General Thein Sein were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Thein Swe, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Myanmar Ambassador to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka U Ohn Thwin, Director-General Col Thant Shin of the Government Office, Director-General U Kyaw Kyaw of Protocol Department, Director-General U Kyaw Tint of Political Department and officials. The Sri Lankan President was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Rohitha Bogollagama, Minister of Transport Mr. Hon. Dallas Alahapperuma, Deputy Minister of Labour Mr. Hon. Marvin de Silva, MP Mr. Hon .Wimal Weerawansa of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Union of Myanmar Mr. Newton Gunaratna and high-ranking officials.

On arrival at the meeting hall, the Sri Lankan delegation was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister General Thein Sein.

The meeting started with the greetings of Prime Minister General Thein Sein.

Next, the Sri Lankan President made a speech.

Afterwards, Prime Minister General Thein Sein and President Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa discussed matters on further promotion of cooperation in such sectors as religion, trade, economy, education, agriculture, forest, hotels and tourism, transport, etc. as well as in regional and international arenas.

A ceremony to sign agreements between the Union of Myanmar and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka was held at the same venue at 4.50 pm.

First, Myanmar Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyan Win and Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Rohitha Bogollagama signed an agreement on visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and official/ service passports of the two countries, and exchanged the documents.

Next, Myanmar Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Soe Naing and Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Rohitha Bogollagama signed an MoU on tourism cooperation between the Union of Myanmar and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, and exchanged the documents.

(Source: The New Light of Myanmar dated 15 June 2009)