President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday (Dec.02) engaged in bilateral talks with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on the side-lines of the 28th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) in Dubai, UAE.

The focal point of their conversation revolved around collaborating to facilitate Sri Lanka’s transition to a green economy, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

The Sri Lankan leader specifically urged President Macron to enhance France’s involvement in the Indian Ocean region through Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe brought attention to the International Climate Change University, underscoring its significance in addressing global climate challenges. In a gesture of cooperation, he extended an invitation to France to actively participate and contribute to the initiatives undertaken by the university.

Additionally, President Wickremesinghe also engaged in bilateral talks with the leaders of several other countries.

At the meeting with Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, on Friday (Dec.01), the focus primarily fell on fostering close relations between the two countries. The Sri Lankan leader extended an invitation to PM Mitsotakis to make an official visit to Sri Lanka in the near future.

President Wickremesinghe also met with Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and his Maldivian counterpart Dr. Mohamed Muizzu on Friday.

During this encounter between Presidents Wickremesinghe and Muizzu, the two sides have discussed the long and historic relations between Sri Lanka and the Maldives, while exploring avenues to strengthen it based on mutual respect and shared values. These include people-to-people relations, tourism cooperation, and the education sector among others. They also discussed their respective countries’ climate change policies and adaptation efforts.

In their closing remarks, both leaders expressed confidence in addressing challenges and seizing opportunities through collaborative efforts.

The 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 28) commenced on Friday at Expo City in Dubai, featuring the participation of heads of state and representatives from 54 countries. President Wickremesinghe conveyed these sentiments during his address at the conference.

(Encounter between President Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi)

(Encounter between President Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis)

(Encounter between President Wickremesinghe and President of the Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu)