Sri Lanka High Commission in Ottawa

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris met the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the United Arab Emirates Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, on the sidelines of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) where both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen the good relationship between the countries based on mutual understanding and respect.

Minister Peiris recalled his longstanding friendship with the Foreign Minister of UAE Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and stated that he was looking forward to welcoming him to Sri Lanka soon. Sri Lanka and the UAE have fruitful and constructive collaboration in the international fora including at the International Maritime Organization, the UN Human Rights Council and the UN Security Council. Both Ministers agreed that it is not acceptable to impose on countries various conditions and agendas and that a one-size fits all policy does not deliver results.

Minister Al Jaber stated that the one-size fits all policy is also not applicable to climate change, and it is necessary to define mechanisms that would allow countries to adapt and mitigate climate change without affecting their economies. He stated that the UAE had put forward their nomination to host the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) in 2023 and looked forward to the support of Sri Lanka.

Approximately 300,000 Sri Lankans are living and working in the UAE. The Foreign Minister expressed appreciation of the Government of Sri Lanka for providing employment opportunities for Sri Lankans and for looking after their welfare, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also thanked the UAE Government for introducing constructive legislation related to the welfare of workers. Minister Peiris briefed Minister Al Jaber on the progress of the vaccination drive in Sri Lanka and, while appreciating the relaxation of visas, looked forward to its further expansion. He also outlined the steps being taken by the Government to re-boost the tourism sector, specifically highlighting the ability to accommodate the specific priorities and requirements of visitors from the Gulf region.

Foreign Minister Peiris explained the challenges which Sri Lanka is currently experiencing with regard to its external budget, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. He focused in particular on the country’s requirement of oil, and requested concessionary arrangements from the UAE. Minister Al Jaber, responding positively, said that the UAE would be happy to assist, and proposed the establishment of a strategic framework to take the process forward. Both sides agreed to follow-up rapidly.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

24 September 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/sl-fm-uae/)

Minister of Foreign Relations Dinesh Gunawardena assumed duties at the Foreign Ministry on Monday 25 November 2019.

Minister Gunawardena was received by Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha and other senior officials upon his arrival at the Ministry. Following religious observances, the Minister officially assumed duties.

Later, the Foreign Minister who addressed the staff, remarked that the Foreign Service is highly regarded. The Minister stressed that the entire country is looking towards the Foreign Ministry to find solutions for external pressures and challenges. Hence, it is necessary for the officers in the Ministry and the network of missions to work dedicatedly towards overcoming these challenges.  He also stated that President Rajapaksa's vision is for Sri Lanka to be safe and secure; leading the country towards a prosperous future. He further stated that in achieving these objectives, a single agency cannot work alone, but must work in unison with other institutions, and hence the role of the Foreign Ministry is vital in this aspect.

Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris in his discussion with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Thailand Don Pramudwinai indicated strong and historical bilateral ties as two countries practising Theravada Buddhism.

Minister appreciated the assistance provided by Thailand to sustain the Buddhist monks at a time Sri Lanka did not have a sufficient number of senior Buddhist monks. Minister highlighted that the relations between the two countries are not limited to the governments but also between the people. Both the countries have worked closely together in many international and regional groupings such as BIMSTEC, IORA and Asian Cooperation Dialogue.  Minister Peiris indicated that there is abundant scope for enhancing cooperation between the two countries in agriculture, inland fisheries, and gem and jewellery. Sri Lanka is keen on value addition to our products and expertise can be obtained from Thailand in this regard.

Minister Peiris, furthermore thanked the Government of Thailand for their unstinted support in UNHRC for the principled position that imposing foreign solutions on individual countries without the consent of that country is against the principles of the UN.

Thailand Foreign Minister mentioned memories of participating in royal “Katina” in Sri Lanka and indicated that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka was part of the Buddhist holy trail and the Minister hopes that it would revive once the COVID-19 pandemic is brought under control. The Foreign Minister of Thailand stated that they are ready to take over from Sri Lanka the chairmanship of BIMSTEC and to carry forward the initiatives underway. Minister stressed the importance of preventing climate change and the need for all to be on board whether it is corporate sector, community and youth. We need to address the issues and collaboratively work together to create a more peaceful world.

Foreign Ministry

Colombo

24 September, 2021

(https://mfa.gov.lk/sl-fs-thailand/)