December 6, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Nepal meets Nepal’s Prime Minister in Kathmandu. Image Credit - OSHI / depositphotos
Reading Time: 2 min read
Sri Lanka and Russia to strengthen relations
Russia has announced that it will enhance economic and trade relations with Sri Lanka, in light of the upcoming 60 year anniversary of diplomatic relations. The Ambassador of Russia to Sri Lanka, Alexander Karchava, stated that the second meeting of the joint committee on trade, economy, science and technology, would take place in February 2017.
The Ambassador also noted President Sirisena’s upcoming visit to Russia in March 2017, to hold bilateral discussions with President Putin.
Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force ship arrives in Colombo
The ship ‘Kirisame’ of the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force has arrived at the Port of Colombo on 4 December, on a goodwill and replenishment visit.
The ship’s senior officers, Commander Yasutaka Ebata and Captain Tomonori Kobayashi, called on Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne at the Naval Headquarters. Kirisame is scheduled to depart on 6 December.
Sri Lankan Ambassador meets Prime Minister of Nepal
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Nepal, W. Swarnalatha Perera, has met with the Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, on 5 December in Kathmandu. Prime Minister Dahal conveyed his gratitude to Sri Lanka for the support received during Nepal’s reconstruction efforts, following the earthquake in 2015.
Ambassador Perera extended an invitation to Prime Minister Dahal to visit Sri Lanka in 2017, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Sri Lanka-Nepal relations.
Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu passes away
The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Jayalalithaa Jayaraman, has passed away on 5 December in the state capital of Chennai. The former actress served as Chief Minister four times since entering politics in 1982.
A senior politician from the late Chief Minister’s AIADMK party, O. Panneerselvam, has been sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Russia to discuss withdrawal of rebels from Aleppo
The Foreign Minister of Russia, Sergei Lavrov, has stated that the Russian government would discuss the retreat of Western-backed rebels in Aleppo with the US. The Minister is confident that Russia will reach a deal with the US, at discussions to be held in Washington this week.
The statement follows Russia’s veto of a UN Security Council resolution, which called for a seven day truce in Aleppo. Russia argued that the resolution would undermine the talks to be held in Washington.
Gambian President-elect to conduct reforms
The incumbent President of the Gambia, Yahya Jammeh, has been defeated in presidential elections by the leader of the opposition, Mr. Adama Barrow, on 2 December. President Jammeh has been the President of The Gambia for 22 years.
President-elect Barrow stated that he plans to introduce a two-term limit, and introduce public service reforms to reduce corruption and nepotism.
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