“We have very good relations between the foreign ministries. I am pleased to invite you to pay a visit to Russia, ”RIA Novosti quoted him as saying.

Lavrov also congratulated Gunavarden on his appointment to the post of Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka.

He noted that between Moscow and Colombo an intensive political dialogue was established on the basis of trust and respect.

“We invariably warmly treat Sri Lanka, its desire to pursue national interests through an independent policy, in line with international law,” the Russian minister emphasized.

On January 14, Lavrov will also hold talks with the President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka on cooperation in energy, agriculture and information technology.