President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka would always maintain a neutral stand in foreign policy and will not get entangled in struggles between power blocs.

The Presdent made this remark following bilateral discussions with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo yetserday.

"The President said he engaged in a forward looking and a cordial interaction with the US Secretary of State this morning. Appreciate Secretary Pompeo's stance on the need to strengthen the bilateral relationship and support for defence cooperation," Rajapaksa added.

The President also said he valued Pompeo's views on assistance for investment and Sri Lanka's development needs.