ta-en/itn/english/358959

en_358959_0	The Norwegian Foreign Minister has said that Sri Lanka continues to set a global example in tackling difficult challenges faced in establishing peace and reconciliation within the country.
en_358959_1	The Norwegian Minister made this reference during a meeting with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe.
en_358959_2	The meeting between Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Marie Eriksen and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe was held in the state visitor’s official residence in Oslo.
en_358959_3	The Foreign Minister of Norway further said that Sri Lanka will receive the full support of the Norwegian Government for the peace and reconciliation programme.
en_358959_4	Their discussions centred on further strengthening economic and political ties.
en_358959_5	It was emphasized at this meeting that these relations should be carried beyond the concept of giving aid between the two countries.
en_358959_6	Matters with respect to Sri Lanka’s effort in relations to free navigation in the Indian Ocean was elaborated at this discussion.
en_358959_7	They drew attention to taking collective action for the application of new technology with regard to development of fishery resources and the uplift of the fishery industry.
en_358959_8	The Norwegian State agreed to extend support to Sri Lanka with regard to the establishment of the proposed Police and Criminal Justice University.
en_358959_9	In the meantime, Norwegian International DevelopmentMinister Nikolai Astrup has announced readiness to impart the experiences and knowledge of the Norwegian Government to Sri Lanka to endow development opportunities through the official economic programme.
en_358959_10	Mr. Astrup expressed this hosting a banquet in honour of Prime Minister and his delegation.
en_358959_11	The ocean is of importance to both countries.
en_358959_12	As such emphasis was laid to directing more attention on the ocean economy.
en_358959_13	Mr. Astrup said that the Norwegian Prime Minister has already appointed a high level Committee in this respect.
en_358959_14	Attention was also focused on minimizing marine pollution and protecting marine resources.
en_358959_15	It was the opinion of both sides that firm attention should be focused in the future on fish farming.
en_358959_16	Views were exchanged on peace, security and free navigation in the ocean zones.
en_358959_17	Meanwhile the Prime Minister also joined in a visit to the Kongsberg Maritime and Kongsberg Norcontrol Centre in Norway.
en_358959_18	The aim of the visit was to make inquiries on the Norwegian maritime transport operations.
en_358959_19	The Prime Minister and his entourage received a warm welcome on arrival at the Centre.
en_358959_20	They were greeted by the Vice Chairmen and officials of the Centre.
en_358959_21	The Prime Minister and the delegation observed the operations of the Centre on three fields.
en_358959_22	This was in respect to the fishery industry, defence and transport.
en_358959_23	Its heads explained at length to the visitors on the operations carried out there.
en_358959_24	They expressed their willingness to impart the necessary technical knowhow and experience to Sri Lanka in this regard.
en_358959_25	The Prime Minister drew his firm attention on the manner in which the knowledge and experience that could be obtained.