Sri Lanka asks UAE for help with oil purchases

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Foreign Minister Prof. GL Peiris met with UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Dr Sultan Al Jaber on the sidelines of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly ( UNGA) where the two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen good relations between countries based on mutual understanding and respect.

Minister Peiris recalled his long-standing friendship with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and said he looked forward to welcoming him to Sri Lanka soon. Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates enjoy fruitful and constructive collaboration in international fora, including the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations Human Rights Council and the United Nations Security Council.

The two ministers agreed that it is not acceptable to impose various conditions and programs on countries and that a single policy does not work.

Minister Al Jaber said the Single Policy is also not applicable to climate change, and there is a need to define mechanisms that would allow countries to adapt and mitigate climate change without affecting their economies. . He said the UAE had applied to host the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) in 2023 and looked forward to Sri Lanka’s support.

About 300,000 Sri Lankans live and work in the United Arab Emirates. The Foreign Minister thanked the Sri Lankan government for providing employment opportunities for Sri Lankans and ensuring their well-being, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also thanked the government of the United Arab Emirates for introducing constructive workers’ welfare legislation. Minister Peiris briefed Minister Al Jaber on the progress of the vaccination campaign in Sri Lanka and, while appreciating the easing of visas, looked forward to its expansion. He also described the measures taken by the government to revive the tourism sector, highlighting in particular the ability to respond to the specific priorities and requirements of visitors to the Gulf region.

Foreign Minister Peiris explained the challenges Sri Lanka is currently facing with its external budget, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He focused in particular on the country’s oil needs and requested concession agreements from the United Arab Emirates. Minister Al Jaber, responding positively, said the UAE would be happy to help and proposed setting up a strategic framework to move the process forward. Both parties agreed to act quickly.

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