During 7-9 October 2016, H.E. Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Mrs. Jayanthi Sirisena, Spouse of the President, and his accompanying delegation, paid a Working Visit to Thailand at the invitation of H.E. General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand.       

On 8 October 2016, the Prime Minister of Thailand and the President of Sri Lanka had a discussion on ways and means to further enhance the cordial cooperation in multi-dimensional aspects including issues of mutual interest between the two countries particularly measures to increase bilateral trade and investment and also multilateral economic affairs; military and security cooperation; tourism cooperation; and technical and development cooperation on development of infrastructure system and agriculture of Sri Lanka. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and multilateral cooperation. On this occasion, the Sri Lanka’s leader congratulated on Thailand’s active role as the host of the 2^nd ACD Summit and also stressed that this moment is the Century for Asia.

Additionally, both sides reiterated the significance of their long-standing religious ties. Thailand expressed its appreciation to the Government of Sri Lanka for bringing the Holy Buddha Relic to Thailand for enshrinement which attracted more than 500,000 Thai Buddhists worshippers last year. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka was very thankful for Thailand’s financial assistance of around USD 72,000 (Baht 2.5 million) given to Sri Lanka in response to the devastating flooding and landslide last May.

On 10 October 2016, the President of Sri Lanka attended the 2^nd ACD Summit under the theme: “One Asia, Diverse Strength” at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and jointly endorsed 3 outcome documents: ACD Vision for Asia Cooperation 2030, Bangkok Declaration, and ACD Statement on reigniting Growth through Partnership for Connectivity.

This visit of the President of Sri Lanka provided an opportunity to follow up on the outcomes of the Official Visit to Thailand by the President of Sri Lanka in November last year, and the Official Visit to Sri Lanka by H.E. Mr. Somkid Jatusripitak, Deputy Prime Minister during 8 -12 March 2016. At the same time, this also reflected their close and long-standing relations for over 60 years between the two countries based on shared historical, religious and cultural affinities of which will lay the foundation for further strengthening regional cooperation   and the establishment of the Asian community toward stability, prosperity and sustainability in the future.