September 9, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
Maldives looks to improve trade relations with Sri Lanka. Image credit - Molbert / depositphotos
Reading Time: 2 min read
* A Daily Brief will not be published on Monday 12th September, due to the local public holiday.
Ethiopian Foreign Minister meets President Sirisena
The Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, Tedros Adhanom, called on President Sirisena during his visit to Colombo for the World Health Organization’s South-East Asia Summit, held from 5-9 September.
Minister Adhanom commended President Sirisena for his commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and discussed the countries’ bilateral relations. Minister Adhanom also highlighted Sri Lanka’s trade and economic relations with the African Union.
Slovenia seeks to improve cooperation with Sri Lanka
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mangala Samaraweera, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, Karl Erjavec.
The MOU calls for the promotion of cooperation in cultural affairs, diplomacy, politics, economics, and science and technology. The first meeting related to the MOU is expected to take place in 2017 in Sri Lanka.
Maldives aims to enhance trade relations
The High Commissioner of the Maldives to Sri Lanka, Zahiya Zareer, has encouraged Sri Lanka to invest in development projects in the Maldives, during a meeting with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. High Commissioner Zareer highlighted that the two countries should build ‘commercial ties’, instead of only trading in primary goods.
The CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, Dhara Wijayatilake, stated that possible synergies and opportunities would be explored.
Aid groups suspend cooperation with UN in Syria
In a letter to the UN, 73 humanitarian groups have announced their withdrawal from the ‘Whole of Syria’ (WoS) information-sharing mechanism. The humanitarian groups expressed the need to investigate the Syrian government’s influence on the UN.
The groups also stated that their concern extends to the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, who work closely with the UN, and facilitate access to besieged parts of the country.
EU reveals plans for military cooperation following Brexit
The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the EU Commission, Federica Mogherini, has called for closer EU military cooperation following the UK’s vote to leave the European Union. Ms. Mogherini stated that the EU needs to enhance its defence capacity, and take responsibility for its own security.
The proposals submitted to enhance the EU’s defence capacity include a unified command for joint European military operations, the deployment of EU ‘battlegroups’, and investments in military hardware.
Outcome document to strengthen UN peacekeeping adopted
Countries that contribute to UN peacekeeping missions have adopted an outcome document, which focuses on improving the ‘three Ps’ of peacekeeping – planning, pledges and performance.
The outcome document was adopted at the UN Peacekeeping Defense Ministerial, hosted by the UK’s Ministry of Defence in London on 8 September. Defence ministers from 80 countries attended the meeting.
Tags: Syria, Sri Lanka, UN, EU, President Sirisena, Ethiopia, Maldives, Slovenia
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.
