He strongly pitched for enhanced cooperation in key areas of maritime security and counter-terrorism.

He said, "Our independent life began at about the same time. Sri Lanka has made remarkable progress since then. The nation is an inspiration for our region in human development. Sri Lanka is home to enterprise and skill; and extraordinary intellectual heritage. There are businesses of global class here."

"We shall construct a bridge to Sri Lanka.  I have come with the hope of building this bridge – a bridge that rests on strong pillars of our shared inheritance; of shared values and vision; of mutual support and solidarity; of friendly exchanges and productive cooperation; and, above all, belief in each other and our shared destiny", he stressed.