July 11, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull declares victory in parliamentary election. Image credit - markrhiggins / Depositphotos.
Reading Time: 2 min read
Sri Lanka and China strengthen bilateral relations
The Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yi, has concluded his visit to Sri Lanka. The Foreign Minister and President Maithripala Sirisena discussed the development of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and China.
The visiting Foreign Minister also met with his counterpart, Minister Mangala Samaraweera, and discussed the prospects of enhancing economic cooperation through a plan for a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
President assures ADB of transparency
President Sirisena has given assurance that funds from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will be transparently invested towards the development of Sri Lanka.
The President stated that priority will to be given to northern development through assistance in providing drinking water, improving infrastructure facilities, and developing education and agriculture.
Sri Lanka to discuss fisheries dispute
The Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development, Mahinda Amaraweera, has announced that Sri Lanka will begin discussions with the Indian government to resolve the issue of illegal fishing by Indian trawlers in Sri Lankan waters.
Minister Amaraweera has also stated that the government envisages a comprehensive solution to the issue by January 2017.
Australian PM declares victory
The Prime Minister of Australia, Malcolm Turnbull, has declared victory in the national elections, with his coalition government retaining power, after the opposition Labour Party conceded defeat.
The coalition government has won 73 seats out of 150, while the Labour Party gained 67. Five seats remain in doubt with four of the seats expected to go to Labour Party. Two independent members have also pledged their support to the coalition.
Violence erupts in South Sudan
Fighting has broken out between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir Mayardit, and soldiers who support the Vice President Riek Machar. The renewed fighting in South Sudan’s capital Juba, has brought fears that the country may be returning to a state of civil war.
The UN Security Council has condemned the violence and has called on the warring factions in the country to cease fighting. The fighting, which has claimed over a hundred lives, occurred during the fifth anniversary of the independence of South Sudan.
PM Shinzo Abe wins majority in the House of Councillors
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ruling coalition has gained a two-thirds majority in an election of the parliament’s upper house.
The win comes amidst concerns over Prime Minister Abe’s economic policies and plans to amend the nation’s pacifist constitution.
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