Ministry News

Sri Lanka and Algeria sign agreement on Regular Political Consultations

A comprehensive agreement with regard to political consultations on a regular basis was signed at the Palace of Nations in Algiers by Professor G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs of Sri Lanka, and Mr. Ramtane Lamamra, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Algeria.  This agreement was signed on the sidelines of the recently held 17th Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in Algiers.

Algeria is Chair of the current Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement, while Sri Lanka is Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth and Chair of the Group of 15, which will hold its Summit in Colombo in November this year.

The Foreign Ministers of Sri Lanka and Algeria, at their bilateral discussions, noted the very close cooperation between the two countries in international fora.  Minister Peiris thanked Minister Lamamra warmly for Algeria’s understanding and support in respect of Sri Lanka’s issues at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.  He also expressed appreciation of Algeria’s vigorous co-operation regarding counter-terrorist activity.  Prof. Peiris emphasized Sri Lanka’s eagerness to explore avenues of greater collaboration with Algeria in the field of oil and gas.

Read More

Minister Peiris highlights the NAM’s focus on pragmatism in Algeria

honmea-addresses-namministerial

Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris led Sri Lanka’s delegation to the XVII Ministerial Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) on the theme ‘Enhanced Solidarity for Peace and Prosperity’ in Algiers on 28-29 May 2014. 

Addressing the Conference on 28 May, the Minister recalled that it was at the Algiers Summit in 1973 that the Chair of NAM passed to Sri Lanka in 1976 and emphasized the continuous and consistent commitment of both Algeria and Sri Lanka to the principles, ideals and objectives of the Movement.

The Minister said that, although the Non-Aligned Movement had its origins in the context of the Cold War and circumstances have now changed, the rationale which underpinned the Movement remains no less relevant to the modern world. The values which sustain the Movement involve assessing and making decisions on issues, based on the merits of the particular case, without a priori alignment to any political grouping or ideology. This approach will play a vital role in enhancing the credibility and stature of international institutions. It is vital, the Minister stressed, to recognize the diversity of cultures, and that, when it comes to solutions, there is no size that fits everyone.

Read More

Minister Peiris felicitates Indian counterpart Sushma Swaraj

Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs has congratulated Smt. Sushma Swaraj, on her appointment as Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India, following her swearing in on Monday, 26th May 2014.

The text of the congratulatory message from Minister Peiris is as follows:-

27th May 2014

Her Excellency Smt. Sushma Swaraj
Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India
New Delhi
 
Excellency,
 
It gives me immense pleasure to offer you my warmest congratulations on your assumption of office of the Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India.

Your resounding electoral victory is yet another symbol of the trust and respect you have earned in your long illustrious career in the service of the people of India.  We are pleased that you have been entrusted with the important assignment of the Minister of External Affairs at this momentous juncture for both India and our region. We welcome the initiative to associate regional leaders at the inauguration of the new Government in India as an excellent manifestation of the leadership that India can provide for stability and economic progress of the region. Sri Lanka stands ready to walk together with India towards the objective of promotion of greater South Asian solidarity.

Read More

Close