June 14, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
Minister Mangala Samaraweera visits the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lubomír Zaorálek. Image credit - Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Reading Time: 2 min read
SLBFE raids illegal foreign employment agencies
The Special Investigation Division of the Sri Lankan Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has conducted 56 raids on illegal foreign employment agencies this year.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs authorised the raids to enable the SLBFE to take legal action against agencies compiling counterfeit documents and aiding the emigration of female minors for employment purposes.
Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister visits Sri Lanka
On the invitation of Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Turkey’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, will arrive in Sri Lanka on an official visit from 14-16 June.
The visit will include the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the two countries, on issues related to diplomatic training, exchange of information, and documentation.
Czech Republic and Sri Lanka strengthen bilateral relations
On the invitation of the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lubomír Zaorálek, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mangala Samaraweera, paid an official visit to the Czech Republic from 9-11 June.
The ministers discussed the strengthening of bilateral relations in the power, energy, waste management, automobile production, defence, aviation, and advanced medical treatment sectors.
German and Chinese leaders discuss trade
German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, accompanied by members of her Cabinet and a business delegation, has met with China’s Premier, Li Keqiang, in Beijing.
The leaders discussed trade between the two nations and the operation of German firms and foreign non-governmental organizations in China. The talks highlighted the strained relationship between China and Germany, which followed the EU’s decision to vote against granting China the status of ‘market economy’.
UNSC extends Libyan mandate
The UN Security Council (UNSC) has extended the mandate of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya until 15 December 2016.
The mission’s mandate was expanded to include: human rights monitoring and reporting, securing of uncontrolled arms, assisting key Libyan institutions, supporting the provision of essential services, and coordinating humanitarian and international assistance.
Saudi Arabian Defence Minister visits the US
Saudi Arabia’s Defence Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has arrived in the US to meet President Barack Obama, senior US officials, business leaders, and the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
The Saudi Arabian Prince will discuss regional crises in the MENA region, as well as trade and development issues in relation to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This visit follows broad economic reforms aimed at reducing Saudi Arabia’s dependency on oil exports by increasing foreign investment.
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