According to the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC), Sharif Anis said Iran and Sri Lanka enjoy a long history of political, economic and diplomatic cooperation, adding, "We will endeavor to continue our cooperation with Iran in all these avenues."

He said purchasing oil products and building materials from Iran is a priority in importing goods from the country given the vast market for the items in Sri Lanka.

Furthermore, he said, tourism is another field for boosting cooperation between the two countries, adding bolstering direct investments in Iran and from Iranian investors is another field the two countries can cooperate.

Anis also highlighted the last week rescuing of 5 Sri Lankan fisherman in the Indian Ocean by an Iranian VLCC, saying it was a manifestation of humanitarian nature of the rescue operation by the Iranian vessel.