October 7, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
President Sirisena visits Bangkok, Thailand. Image Credit - ake1150sb / depositphotos
Reading Time: 2 min read
Sri Lanka and India strengthen economic ties
Prime Minister Wickremesinghe has stated that Sri Lanka and India will sign an Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA) by the end of 2016. The new agreement will include trade in services, investment and technology.
During a meeting with the Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Shipping, Nitin Gadkari, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe expressed Sri Lanka’s plans to build a road network connecting the North and East to Colombo, for which Minister Gadkari offered India’s assistance.
President Sirisena travels to Thailand for ACD Summit
President Sirisena departed to Bangkok, Thailand on 6 October, to lead the Sri Lankan delegation at the Asia Cooperation Dialogue Summit (ACD). The summit will host 34 Asian nations, who will discuss strengthening regional interdependence.
While in Thailand, President Sirisena is also expected to meet with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayut Chan-o-cha. The next ACD Summit is expected to be hosted by Iran in 2018.
Japan grants loan for de-mining
The Japanese government has granted LKR 115.4 million to Delvon Assistance for Social Harmony Sri Lanka, and the SKAVITA Humanitarian Assistance and Relief Project, for de-mining projects.
Japan’s assistance for the project is supported by the ‘Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects’. Since 2003, Japan has provided an estimated USD 29.5 million for de-mining efforts in the north and east of Sri Lanka.
Aviation industry agrees to cut CO2 emissions
The International Civil Aviation Organization has finalised the UN Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation. The scheme will allow carbon emissions from the aviation industry to grow, but will offset them by cutting emissions outside of the aviation sector.
The pilot phase of the scheme will last from 2021 through 2023, followed by further phases to conclude by 2035.
UN warns that Eastern Aleppo could be destroyed
Staffan de Mistura, the UN Special Envoy to Syria, has stated that the besieged, rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo could be completely destroyed by December. He called on Al-Nusra Front, now known as Al-Sham, fighters to leave the city.
UN Senior Adviser Jan Egeland stated that the residents are facing conditions that are illegal under international law, and that the UN is failing an increasing number of civilians.
Iraq calls for UN Security Council meeting
Iraq has called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting to discuss the presence of Turkish troops in Iraqi territory.
The Turkish government has voted to extend the deployment of an estimated 2,000 troops across the north of Iraq to combat what it claims are terrorist organisations.
Tags: India, Sri Lanka, UN, Japan, Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, President Sirisena, Turkey, Iraq, Security Council
24 Horton Place
Colombo 7
Sri Lanka
A think tank engaging in independent research of Sri Lanka’s international relations and strategic interests, to provide insights and recommendations that advance justice, peace, prosperity, and sustainability.
