Colombo

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar called on Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday on the second day of his three-day visit to the island nation.

Jaishankar, who arrived in Colombo on Sunday, met President Rajapaksa and reviewed various dimensions of India-Sri Lanka's relationship. He assured Gotabaya Rajapaksa of India's continued cooperation and understanding.

"Pleased to call on President @GotabayaR of Sri Lanka. Reviewed various dimensions of our close neighbourly relationship. Assured him of India's continued cooperation and understanding," Jaishankar tweeted.

During the meeting, Sri Lankan President thanked Jaishankar for assistance in form of a $1 billion credit line.

"Met with Indian Foreign Minister @DrSJaishankar today, and I expressed my gratitude to the Government of #India for the invaluable assistance provided recently via the line of credit, on behalf of the people of #lka," wrote the official Twitter account of The President of Sri Lanka.

Earlier this month, Sri Lanka signed a $1 billion credit line with India for the procurement of food, medicines, and other essential items, amid the country’s worsening economic crisis triggered due to the shortage of foreign exchange.

The External Affairs Minister also met Sri Lankan Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa on Monday and held a discussion over the economic situation of Colombo as well as India's supportive response.

During his visit, Jaishankar will also attend the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) meeting.

The bilateral meetings and interactions which EAM will have in Sri Lanka highlight the priority that Sri Lanka occupies for India. While in Sri Lanka, EAM will also participate in the BIMSTEC Ministerial Meeting on March 29 in Colombo.