There was a warm welcome for Sri Lanka’s President  Mahinda Rajapaksa on his official visit to Palestine. The countries signed two cooperation agreements, one of them aiming to open a centre for vocational training in Ramallah. Both Presidents emphasised the cordial relations between the two countries."Our two countries maintain good relations and I wish it will improve more and more”, said President Mahmoud Abbas.President Mahmoud Abbas also expressed his gratitude for the support that Sri Lanka extended for Palestine to gain the status as a Non-member Observer State in the United Nations.”Sri Lanka will always support your cause. We hope that we will have an independent Palestine as soon as possible", said  President Mahinda Rajapaksa