SILMIYA YOUSUF
COLOMBO :Iran’s Ambassador in Colombo Hashem Ashja Zadeh said here in Colombo that his country is ready to resume oil exports and import larger quantities of tea from Sri Lanka.
“The two countries have taken practical steps in this regard which will come to fruition in the near future,:” Ambasador Zadeh said.
“ Sri Lanka becoming first tea exporter to Iran again, resuming Iran oil exports to Sri Lanka and Iran’s partnership in Sri Lanka infrastructure projects are expectations hoped to materialize in the future,” the envoy stressed.
The envoy was speaking to the Colombo Times on the bilateral relations between the two countries. “A close economic relation would guarantee a good political relation. In addition to boosting trade ties, the two countries should focus on production as well through joint ventures since there are high potentials in the two countries with regard to production chain. Iran is also interested in more engagement in infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka.”
Traditionally, oil and its products from Iran and tea, coconut and spices from Sri Lanka have made up the exports of the two countries. However, in 2012 Sri Lanka stopped importing oil from Iran.
“Given the good political relations between the two countries, there are enough capacities to boost their economic relations as well. I think by the goodwill and hard work of officials of both countries we will witness better cooperation in the future.”
He recalled that the diplomatic relations between Iran and Sri Lanka started more than 60 years ago. Politically the relations between the two countries, after the Islamic revolution in particular, have always been friendly and tension – free.
“Iran’s supports in construction of the country’s only refinery and exclusively supplying its crude oil for decades and supporting it during the civil war at a time that many countries turned their back on Sri Lanka all are indicative of the deep political relations between the two countries,” he added.
“ The beginning of my mission coincided with the new government taking office in Sri Lanka. During this period, the major barriers in developing relations especially in the area of trade has been removed. Iran’s supportive statement for Sri Lanka in UNHRC recent session and Sri Lanka voting against the anti-Iranian human rights resolution all indicate that both sides seriously seek to develop multilateral ties.”
Regarding the Uma Oya Multipurpose Project, the envoy said it is one of the major infrastructure projects underway in Sri Lanka which after completion in the near future will add 120 MW power to the country’s grid playing a significant role in economic development of Sri Lanka.
Technical design of this project including water conveyance tunnel of about 24 km, 600-meter long vertical shafts, two dams and a 23-km transmission line are unique in the world.
With regard to project funding, Iran initially agreed to fund the project and USD 50 million was paid. However, as the sanctions against Iran aggravated, Sri Lankan government agreed to fund the project itself.
Currently more than 90 percent of the project is completed and we hope with the support of the Sri Lankan government, the project will become operational in 2021.
Although the current relations, the economic relations in particular, does not match the existing potentials Iran has always stood by Sri Lanka and its people during the civil war and after the war.
Having understood Sri Lanka’s situation, he recalled that Iran agreed to settle the eight – year outstanding oil payments by tea imports from Sri Lanka which is a time taking process itself. “This shows that Iran in its relations with Sri Lanka and other countries of the world does not merely think of its interests,” the envoy added.
Speaking about Iran’s efforts to overcome the challenges made by United States, the envoy said: “We have been standing on our own feet for more than four decades. During these 40 years we have been under tough pressure from US and its allies but relying on our people-centered attitude we could make progress in all fields. Oil industry, petrochemicals, nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals and knowledge-based products just to name a few are the areas in which we have had significant achievements.
US “miscalculations” in major international issues resulted in its global failure and making problem everywhere in the world. Few months ago US imposed sanctions on some Chinese companies, some of them engaging in Colombo Port City project and just recently its ambassador warned Sri Lanka about ‘nefarious actors’ in this port. This is coming from their arrogant thoughts. This is an internal issue of Sri Lanka but they are interfering as did for Iran and other countries. Now their hostility is clear for anyone while previously were doing same things clandestinely.
But if you ask me what will happen I should say nothing. China is paving its way as Iran has paved its way for more than 40 years and currently Iran, Sri Lank and China have good relations. Now the US hypocrisy is obvious for all countries. US withdrawal from JCPOA is a good example.”
