President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena will make a state visit to Korea November 28-30 at the invitation of President Moon Jae-in. His state visit is particularly meaningful in that it comes in the year marking the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Sri Lanka.

Following President Moon’s recent tour of Southeast Asia, the Sri Lankan President’s forthcoming state visit to Korea is expected to serve as a milestone in broadening Korea’s diplomatic scope toward Southwest Asia, contributing to realizing the Korean Government’s New Southern Policy. 

President Sirisena is scheduled to start off the visit by paying tribute at the Seoul National Cemetery on November 29. Later in the day, he will attend an official welcoming ceremony, which will be followed by a summit and an MOU signing ceremony. President Moon will host a state dinner for the visiting President. 

The two heads of state will evaluate the progress in bilateral relations over the past 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. The two Presidents will also engage in in-depth discussions on how to promote substantive cooperation in various areas concerning the economy and society as well as on ways to work together in the global arena, including through international organizations. 

Building on the similar governing philosophy and vision to advance democracy and protect and promote the rights and interests of ordinary people, the two heads of state also intend to have a candid talk over ways to further upgrade friendly and cooperative relations between the two Governments and people of both nations.