The Minister of the Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Stef Block said that Sri Lanka’s ability to uphold free and fair election amidst various challenges has been commended by the number of democratic countries in the world.The visiting Foreign Minister made these comments when he called on President MaithripalaSirisena at the Official Residence of the President yesterday (19).The President and the Foreign Minister discussed about bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands as well as regional affairs at length.President informed the Foreign Minister that his stand would be apolitical during upcoming Presidential election and he can assure that the polls would be conducted in a more peaceful and democratic manner without malpractices.