Colombo, July 17 (newsin.asia) – Australia’s Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop will visit Sri Lanka this week during which she and Sri Lanka’s President Maithripala Sirisena will announce Australian assistance to combat dengue fever in Sri Lanka, a statement said.
Bishop will visit India and Sri Lanka from July 18 to 20 to strengthen Australia’s bilateral, economic and security relations with two countries, who Australia considers ‘important partners in the region’.
In Sri Lanka, Bishop will meet President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake and other ministers to discuss security cooperation and explore new economic opportunities in science, resources and energy.
“President Sirisena and I will announce Australian assistance to combat dengue fever in Sri Lanka and discuss progress on the implementation of Sri Lanka’s reconciliation process, which is critical to its long-term security and prosperity,” Bishop said.
In India, the Australian Foreign Minister will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and join Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj for a bilateral Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue.
“We will discuss our shared interests in a stable Indo-Pacific, our deepening defence and security relationship, and how we can boost trade and economic ties,” she said.
She added India is a significant economic partner and trading partner, and she will explore further opportunities with India for Australia in the education sector and in developing innovative partnerships in the business sector.
“I will also deliver my second Indo-Pacific Oration in New Delhi, outlining how Australia and India can work together to build peace and prosperity, and to maintain a rules-based order in our region.”