Foreign Minister requests UAE assistance for oil purchases

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris has requested UAE for a concessionary arrangement on oil purchases.

The request was made when he met the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the United Arab Emirates Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, on the sidelines of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

The Foreign Ministry in a statement said that Minister Peiris had explained the challenges which Sri Lanka is currently experiencing with regard to its external budget, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The release said he focused in particular on the country’s requirement of oil, and requested concessionary arrangements from the UAE.

Minister Al Jaber, responding positively, said that the UAE would be happy to assist, and proposed the establishment of a strategic framework to take the process forward. Both sides agreed to follow-up rapidly, the release said.

The Foreign Minister expressed appreciation of the Government of Sri Lanka for providing employment opportunities for Sri Lankans and for looking after their welfare, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over 300,000 Lankans are employed in the UAE.