The long-standing friendship between Sri Lanka and the Philippines would be further strengthened by developing Asian regional cooperation, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said.

The President expressed these views during his meeting with the President of the Philippines Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Manila this morning (29).

The Philippine President accorded a rousing welcome to President Wickremesinghe upon his arrival at the Malacañang Palace.

Following their friendly conversation, the two leaders commenced bilateral discussions.

During the discussion, greater emphasis was placed on further strengthening the longstanding bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the Philippines through new approaches.

Senior Adviser to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardena, Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Philippines Shobini Gunasekera were also present.