External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris is hoping to visit Britain early next month but his counterpart William Hague is yet to confirm granting an appointment to him.
His visit to Britain will be part of a European tour that will include a visit to Prague.
As a fall back option, Minister Peiris has also asked for a meeting with Mr. Hague’s deputy Alistair Burt.
Diplomatic sources said the usual protocol in international relations was that a country’s Foreign Minister did not leave for another country without a ‘confirmed appointment’ with his counterpart in that country.
Sri Lanka’s Acting High Commissioner in London, P.M. Amza told the Sunday Times the meetings sought both with Mr. Hague and Mr. Burt were yet to be confirmed. He said Dr. Peiris was, however, due to meet British Defence Minister Liam Fox and Trade and Investment Minister William Lord Green. Several other bilateral meetings were also being planned, he said without giving details. |
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