French President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea in an effort to strengthen bilateral relations between the countries. The visit, which will be Macron’s first to Sri Lanka and the first by a French President to the Pacific island nation, was reported by Lankan news organization News First.
During his visit, Macron is scheduled to meet with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, although the official announcement of the visit has not been made. Macron will first travel to Vanuatu before heading to Papua New Guinea, where he was invited by Prime Minister James Marape during a meeting in Port Moresby.
In Papua New Guinea, Macron is expected to have meetings with Governor-General Bob Dadae and Prime Minister Marape. The visit aims to strengthen the bilateral relations between France and Papua New Guinea. Macron is scheduled to return from Papua New Guinea on the night of July 28 or the morning of July 29.
France is also part of a group of countries that announced a common platform for talks among bilateral creditors to coordinate the restructuring of Sri Lanka’s debt. This visit by the French President signifies France’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka and the Pacific island countries.
Macron’s visit to Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea highlights France’s focus on expanding relations and cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. As Macron works to strengthen bilateral ties, it is expected that the visit will foster economic, political, and cultural exchanges between the nations.
Overall, Macron’s visit to Sri Lanka and Papua New Guinea signifies the significance of these countries in France’s foreign policy agenda and serves as an opportunity to enhance cooperation and collaboration in various sectors.
