October 13, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
Chinese and Philippine leaders to meet in Beijing. Image Credit - lucidwaters / depositphotos
Reading Time: 2 min read
Cabinet approves counter-terrorism framework
The Cabinet has approved the draft policy and legal framework for a new counter-terrorism lawpresented by Prime Minister Wickremesinghe. The draft has been forwarded to the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security to be discussed further.
If approved, the new counter-terrorism law is expected to replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
Australia to support women in local governance
The Australian Ambassador for Women and Girls, Natasha Stott Despoja, has launched a programme, funded by the Australian government, to support female representation at the local government level in Sri Lanka.
Ambassador Stott Despoja stated that assisting women in leadership is a priority of Australia’s foreign policy. The programme will provide support and training to elected women, address barriers faced by female candidates, and develop a public awareness campaign.
Sri Lanka and Maldives to hold talks on trade
The National Chamber of Commerce has organised a session titled, ‘Bilateral Trade between Sri Lanka and Maldives’, to be held on 20 October. The Maldivian High Commissioner, Zahiya Zareer, will attend the session as a Special Guest Speaker.
Potential areas of development for Sri Lanka include supplying skilled workers and increasing exports to the Maldives, and expanding Sri Lanka’s involvement in the Maldivian service sector.
Chinese and Philippine leaders to meet
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, will meet with the visiting President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, in Beijing, China
President Xi and President Duterte will discuss efforts to enhance ties and improve cooperation on regional security.
Burundi votes to withdraw from ICC
Burundian politicians have voted in favour of a plan to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). This follows the ICC’s decision in April this year to investigate allegations of violence in Burundi.
Other African states have raised concerns over the ICC disproportionately targeting the African continent.
EU-Canada trade deal faces opposition
The proposed free trade agreement between the EU and Canada, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), has faced opposition from Germany and Belgium. The agreement is expected to eliminate 98% of the tariffs between Canada and the EU.
EU trade ministers are expected to vote on the EU-Canada trade deal on 18 October. A unanimous vote is required for the agreement to enter into force.
Tags: Sri Lanka, China, EU, Australia, Philippines, International Criminal Court, Maldives, Canada, Burundi, ICC
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