Sri Lanka to establish diplomatic relations with Mali

Sri Lanka has decided to establish diplomatic relations with the West African state Mali, according to Cabinet Spokesman and Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

Minister Rambukwella told media that approval has been given to establish diplomatic relations with the Republic of Mali. The proposal was made by External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris and approved by the Cabinet.  Mali, a country with the population of 14,159,904 is located in the interior of Western Africa, South West of Algeria. The country is highly dependent on gold mining and agricultural exports for its revenue.

Out of 54 African countries Sri Lanka has diplomatic relations only with 32 states.

However the presidents of the two countries met on the side lines of the United Nations General Assembly held in September and the establishment of diplomatic relations is a result of the meeting.