By Anadolu staff
ISTANBUL (AA) - India and Sri Lanka on Saturday signed several memorandums of understanding (MoU), including one on defense cooperation, as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Colombo.
"I was honoured to welcome Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Presidential Secretariat this morning. His visit further strengthens the centuries-old friendship between Sri Lanka and India, paving the way for a prosperous future for both nations," Dissanayake said on X.
His media team said Modi was accorded a "warm welcome," emphasizing their "commitment to a prosperous future together," which reinforced "strong friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and India."
The two held-high level talks and oversaw the signing of seven agreements across sectors including defense, energy, digital infrastructure, health and trade, according to Indian media.
Modi arrived on his three-day visit to Colombo on Friday after attending the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok.
Dissanayake also conferred the Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana Award to Modi.
"This high honour is not only mine but also highest honour bestowed upon the 1.4 billion people of India," Modi said on X. "It also speaks volumes about the historical ties and deep-rooted friendship between the people of India and Sri Lanka."
Modi is the first global leader hosted by Sri Lankan President Dissanayake, who took office in September. They first met in New Delhi in December.
*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid