COLOMBO (NewsRadio); United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has commended the steps taken by Sri Lanka to tackle the climate crisis.
US Secretary of State Blinken said the United States is working very closely with Sri Lanka on issues of global importance, including the climate crisis, where Sri Lanka has been taking some important steps to help the world address it.
He added that the US has also been working closely with Sri Lanka in the midst of the serious economic challenges that Sri Lanka is facing.
Antony Blinken noted that the US provided some USD 240 million in assistance and loans, and they are also working together both to support economic stability but also political stability and progress.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made these remarks ahead of a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry. Foreign Minister Sabry is currently in the US on an official visit.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry left the island to the United States on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement said Minister Ali Sabry is visiting the US on an invitation extended by the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Speaking to media, Minister Sabry said Sri Lanka and the U.S. have been long-term partners – 75 years of diplomatic relationship that – almost the period of independence.
He said Sri Lanka has a very good relationship with the US and also thanked the American people and the Biden administration, for the support extended during a very testing time for Sri Lankans.
Foreign Minister Sabry said “we are grateful particularly for your humanitarian support – loans, grants – and technical support. We are extremely grateful, and we are looking forward to work for even better relationship and particularly in the Indian Ocean and eastern Pacific. And I must make this opportunity to also thank you and the Treasury for playing a leading role in allowing us and facilitating us to approach the IMF, restructure our debt, and to go to the board sooner than later in order to get our EFF as soon as possible.”
During his visit, Foreign Minister Sabry is also scheduled to meet members of the Congress and other senior interlocutors of the US Government.
