April 27, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
Australia and France sign defence contract. Image credit - moreno.soppelsa/depositphotos
Reading Time: 2 min read
Two UN Special Rapporteurs to visit Sri Lanka
The Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Mónica Pinto, and the Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment and Punishment, Juan E. Méndez will visit Sri Lanka from the 29 April to 7 May 2016, at the invitation of the Government.
They will meet with the relevant ministers, government officials, the Attorney-General, the National Human Rights Commission, lawyers and victims. A final press conference will be held, where they will share their preliminary observations from their visit.
National Defence University (NDU) of Pakistan delegation in Sri Lanka
A high-level delegation from the NDU of Pakistan is currently visiting Sri Lanka with the aim of enhancing mutual cooperation.
The delegation met with prominent individuals from the Sri Lankan Armed Forces and civil institutions, to gain insight into the economic, domestic and foreign policies of the country, and to explore areas of shared interest.
The United Kingdom supports Sri Lankan military
The British High Commission in Colombo has reinforced their commitment towards the Sri Lankan military, acknowledging that the military has a crucial role in the government’s commitments toward reconciliation, accountability and human rights.
The statement was made last week by the British High Commission in Colombo, on a visit by the newly appointed UK non-resident Defence Advisor for Sri Lanka, Captain Stuart Borland.
Chinese and ASEAN officials hold consultation
The China-ASEAN Senior Officials’ Consultation, focuses on boosting China-ASEAN relations and East Asia cooperation, began in Singapore today. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the start of the Sino-ASEAN dialogues.
Consultations will also be held on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).
Australia and France sign defence contract
Australia has awarded one of the largest defence contracts, worth AUD 50 billion, to France, having outbid both Japan and Germany.
Under the agreement, the French state-owned naval contractor DCNS Group will build twelve attack submarines.
UN extends mission in Central African Republic
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has extended the peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic (CAR) until 31 July.
The current peacekeeping mission, deployed to the CAR in April 2014, comprises of over 11,000 uniformed personnel.
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