ECONOMYNEXT – Facing an energy crisis, reduction in foreign inflows, and an acute forex shortage, Sri Lanka’s foreign minister G L Peiris has discussed cooperation in energy security, enhanced employment opportunities and increasing investment with the United Arab Emirates.
Peiris held the discussions with the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Relations and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the 5th Indian Ocean Conference held in Abu Dhabi.
“Minister Prof Peiris briefed the Foreign Minister on the country’s situation with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic and the successful measures being implemented by the Government of Sri Lanka to control the spread of the virus,” Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
“Among the other topics discussed by the two Foreign Ministers were cooperation in the energy sector, enhanced employment opportunities for Sri Lankans in the UAE and increasing the volumes of investment by the UAE. in commercial ventures in Sri Lanka.”
Sri Lanka has been trying to woo investments and secure oil credit from many Middle Eastern countries including UAE, Qatar, and Oman.
Sri Lanka’s central bank chief Ajith Nivard Cabraal also visited some Middle Eastern countries recently seeking bilateral, government to government loans, though such inflows have yet to come. (Colombo/Dec07/2021)