SL extends gratitude to Middle-Eastern countries for their support and solidarity given against COVID-19
June 09, 2020Sri Lanka extended gratitude to the Middle-Eastern countries for their fullest support, solidarity and cooperation extended in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.
This was conveyed by Foreign Relations, Skills Development, Employment and Labour Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to the ambassadors of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Palestine, UAE, Qatar, Iraq and Libya Middle East Countries at a meeting held at the Foreign Relations ministry, yesterday (June 8).
Minister Gunawardena highly appreciated the unprecedented support provided in particular facilitating access to healthcare while ensuring safety of Sri Lankan expatriate community working and living in the Middle-East.
He informed them about Government plans to bring the returnees from the Middle-Eastern region in a systematic manner.
Ambassadors and Head of Missions in attendance were ambassador Abdulnaser H. Al Harthi of the Kingdom of, Ambassador Khalaf M.M. Bu Dhhair of Kuwait, Ambassador Hussein El Saharty of Egypt and Ambassador Zuhair Hamdallah Zaid of the State Palestine. Charge d’ Affaires in attendance were Humaid Al Tamimi of UAE, Hamad Al Buainain of Qatar, Kutaiba Ahmed Alkero of Iraq and Minister Amar A. M. Muftah of Libya.
Minister Gunawardena also expressed Sri Lanka’s keen interest in enhancing and strengthening economic and trade ties with the region, especially through a Government to Government mechanism.
Foreign Secretary Ravinatha Aryasinha and senior officials of the Foreign Relations Ministry were also present during the discussion.