Iran ready to forge stronger ties with Sri Lanka, Raisi says

Iran is ready to strengthen ties with Sri Lanka and other Asian countries, its president, Ebrahim Raisi, said on Wednesday, during a short visit to the island nation, the first by an Iranian president in 16 years.
The two countries are set to sign five pacts, or Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on the visit, only the second since one in April 2008 by Iran’s then president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Opening a $514-million hydro power project, Raisi pledged to support development projects in the Indian Ocean island by providing technical and engineering services.
“We stand fully ready to further expand bilateral relations with all Asian countries, our neighbouring countries, and sovereign and independent states,” Raisi said.