Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb. 10
By Gazenfer Hamidov – Trend:
Iranian contractors will take part in infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka, based on an agreement signed between Tehran and Colombo.
The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding to boost mutual cooperation in various sectors, the Iranian official IRNA news agency reported Feb. 10.
Under the memo, which was inked within a visit of Iranian economic delegation to the Asian country, the two sides will take steps to facilitate mutual trade and air transportation.
Furthermore, Iranian contractors will involve in Sri Lanka's infrastructure projects in the health and communications sectors.
The sides also agreed on organization of an exhibition of Iranian products in Sri Lanka.
Iran and Sri Lanka also agreed to finalize drafting of several cooperation documents in the areas of health, agriculture, cultural exchanges and customs as soon as possible.
The document also envisages a deadline for settling the banking issues between the two countries.
Although almost two years have passed since the international sanctions on Iran have been eliminated, the dispute between Tehran and Colombo over a huge unpaid oil bill by Sri Lanka remains unresolved.
Last year Iran’s foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif expressed hope that the two countries’ energy cooperation would be boosted after settling the "remaining financial obstacles."
However, it seems that no significant progress has been made so far regarding the issue.