The third official foreign visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), from February 10 to13. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Foreign Employment Vijitha Herath accompanied President Dissanayake during this landmark visit.
The President visited the UAE on an invitation extended by the President of the UAE His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayad Al Nahyan.
The UAE is the prime focus in the Middle East with its rapid trade and economic development. It is also one of the highest gainers in the Henley Passport Index (at 10th place this year), enabling UAE residents to travel to around 185 countries visa free. This country is also challenging the other countries in the region in cooperating with other major powers of the world including Russia, India and China without being allied to any bloc.
Sri Lanka has enjoyed robust relations with all Middle Eastern countries, regardless of the party in power in Colombo. Still, there are several reasons why President Dissanayake chose the UAE as the first Middle Eastern country to visit.
The President participated in the World Government Summit (WGS) in the UAE, where his speech was well received.
Collective global action
The President told the WSG, “Today, the challenges we face at national, regional and global levels are vast and complex. Some choose to ignore these issues, embarking on self-centred journeys. However, isolated problems of today soon evolve into global concerns of tomorrow, knocking on everyone’s doors ultimately bringing an end to solitary pursuits. Therefore, I reiterate the importance of uniting as global citizens to confront cross-border challenges together. Addressing these crises requires collective global action and a unified front.”
Significantly, he concluded his speech with the words of Martin Luther King Jr. calling for a brotherhood of unity. “At times, you may represent the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, or the West. However, the problems we all face and the call for unity, as expressed through the “lub dub” sound in our hearts, urge us to build the world together. As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “We must learn to live together as brothers.”
“If we don’t, he also foresaw the consequences. We have united with a purpose to provide our people with “a thriving nation, a beautiful life,” a goal that has been historically endorsed. At this historic summit, I urge you to join us in building a beautiful life and a beautiful world.”
Agreement on investment
Sri Lanka and the UAE reached an agreement on Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investments to strengthen economic and investment relations between the two countries to coincide with the President’s three-day official visit to the UAE to attend the World Governments Summit 202.
The agreement was signed by Mohamed Bin Hadi Al Hussaini, UAE’s Minister of State for Financial Affairs, and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
President Dissanayake met Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, as well as Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE. During the discussions, emphasis was placed on the importance of strengthening state-level coordination globally and collaborating on innovative solutions to address economic and developmental challenges.
The warm welcome given to the President by the leaders of UAE as well as by the leaders of other countries shows that there are many opportunities for Sri Lanka for fruitful future cooperation in many sectors.
Reports say that purchasing fuel and gas was a topic that figured in the discussions, apart from power and energy projects. The influx of tourists from the UAE to Sri Lanka was also discussed. Promoting Pure Ceylon Tea in the UAE and neighbouring countries was another topic.
The discussions also focused on the expatriate Sri Lankans in the UAE, who make a huge contribution to the economy through their remittances. More opportunities will be explored for jobs in the future for Sri Lankans.
The UAE sees no barriers when it comes to trade and economy in a globalised world. It is one of the countries that entered into Abraham Accords to normalise relations with Israel during US President Donald Trump’s first term. The visiting Sri Lankan delegation also conducted meetings and business talks with other participants of the summit for future cooperation in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, tourism and many other sectors. The President met senior leaders from several countries.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, Bui Thanh Son, said that Vietnam is committed to further enhancing the cooperation and friendship between Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
He also expressed Vietnam’s readiness to share its experiences in supporting Sri Lanka’s economic growth goals. This statement was made during a meeting between President Dissanayake and Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son at the WSG.
Discussions were held to further develop the political trust, long-standing friendship, and cooperation that have been built over the past 55 years between Vietnam and Sri Lanka.
The summit was attended by 30 Heads of States and Governments with around 400 ministers. Some 6,000 attendees took part in summit activities while 140 Government delegations across the world took part. This was a major opportunity for the Sri Lankan delegation to enhance trade and economic relations with the wider world.
The fact that the President is developing robust links with Arab and Muslim countries may also resonate with the Muslim community in Sri Lanka, who voted overwhelmingly for the National People’s Power (NPP) in the recent elections.
This will hopefully mark a new era of diplomatic, economic and trade relations with Middle Eastern and other predominantly Muslim or Arab nations.
Having read for a master’s degree in the Moscow State University Institute of Foreign Languages, the writer served the Russian Embassy in Colombo as an Information Officer.
