October 10, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
Saudi Arabia to investigate airstrike in Sana’a, Yemen. Image Credit - dchulov / depositphotos
Reading Time: 2 min read
Sri Lankan and Thai leaders meet
President Sirisena has met with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Prayut Chan-o-cha, at the Government House of Thailand. Prime Minister Chan-o-cha thanked President Sirisena for attending the Asia Cooperation Dialogue in Bangkok, and cited its importance in improving regional cooperation.
During the meeting, President Sirisena encouraged Thailand to invest in tourism and agriculture in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka to host international development forum
The 16th session of the World Export Development Forum will be held from 12-13 October in Colombo. The theme of the conference is ‘Trade for Success: Connect, Compete, Change’. Approximately 700 participants are expected to attend, of which 400 are international participants.
The forum will focus on four aspects of export development. The topics will include enhancing international connectivity through the management of trade blocs, competition within the digital market, and the potential for development through the tourism sector.
Speaker of Parliament visits China
The Speaker of the Parliament, Karu Jayasuriya, has travelled to China at the invitation of the Chinese government. The accompanying delegation includes representatives of Sri Lanka’s political parties.
The aim of the visit is to increase cooperation between the national legislatures of the two countries, and is scheduled to take place from 10-15 October.
UN Security Council considers resolutions on Syria
The UN Security Council has failed to adopt two resolutions proposed to ease fighting in Syria. The resolution proposed by France and Spain, which aimed at ending airstrikes in Syria, received 11 affirmative votes but was vetoed by Russia.
The resolution proposed by Russia, which pushed for a ceasefire, received inadequate votes. Only Russia, China, Egypt and Venezuela voted in favour of the proposal drafted by Russia.
Saudi Arabia to conduct investigation into airstrike
The Yemeni government has accused a coalition led by Saudi Arabia of conducting an airstrike on a funeral in Sana’a, Yemen. Saudi Arabia stated that it would conduct an investigation into reports of the airstrike, and the US will review its support of the coalition.
The UN has stated that approximately 140 individuals have been killed, and the Health Ministry of Yemen stated that more than 500 people were injured in the airstrike.
Paris Agreement to come into effect on 4 November
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has announced that the Paris Agreement on Climate Change will come into force on 4 November.
Seventy-five nations, accounting for nearly 57% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions have ratified the agreement as of 10 October, passing the necessary thresholds for the agreement to enter into force.
Tags: Syria, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, China, Yemen, UN, President Sirisena, Thailand, World Export Development Forum, Security Council, Paris Agreement
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