MOGADISHU, 26 July 2022, (TON): Somalia’s parliament agreed to give Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre more time to form a government, a month after his appointment in the Horn of Africa nation.

Barre was initially expected to name a Cabinet within 30 days of his appointment on June 25 but said “the delays were due to the country’s protracted election process that culminated in May with the selection of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as president.”

Barre said in a statement released “in order to form a balanced government, it is necessary that I spend sufficient time in consultations with various politicians of the country and civil society.”

MILAN, 26 July 2022, (TON): Italy’s Foreign Ministry announced “the first of some 300 Afghan refugees arrived in Rome along a new humanitarian corridor organized by the Italian government and civil society, charities and international organizations.”

The ministry said “the humanitarian corridor aims to give additional refugees and persecuted Afghans the possibility of a future in dignity and security following the US withdrawal last August and the Taliban’s reassertion of control.”

Thousands of Afghan citizens were evacuated after the fall of Kabul, but many who risked Taliban retribution were left behind.

The Foreign Ministry said the corridor, which envisions the transfer of 1,200 refugees from Iran and Pakistan and other neighboring countries, would give priority to women and children.

RIYADH, 26 July 2022, (TON): Saudi Shoura Council Speaker Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh received the Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Furqat Sidiqov and his accompanying delegation on the sidelines of the politician’s visit to the Kingdom.

During the meeting, Al-Asheikh highlighted the historic links between the two countries and expressed hopes of further strengthening the bonds, especially cooperation between the Shoura Council and Uzbek parliament.

DHAKA, 26 July 2022, (TON): US Ambassador Peter Haas visited different US-supported activities at Rajshahi Metropolitan Police headquarters.

He flew to the northwest city in the morning beginning a three-day visit.

The ambassador exchanged views with senior police officials at the conference room of RMP Commissioner Md Abu Kalam Siddique.

The US Department of State Anti-Terrorism Assistance, under the supervision of the US Embassy, ​​Dhaka, has been imparting regular training to RMP's Cyber ​​Crime Unit and CRT members.

Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami met Rajshahi City Corporation Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton.

DHAKA, 26 July 2022, (TON): Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said “the gas and oil crises created by the Russia-Ukraine war is also hurting Bangladesh.”

Quader said “this after attending the cabinet meeting at the Secretariat.”

Replying to a question, Quader said that the ongoing fuel crisis caused by the Russia-Ukraine war has turned into a global crisis.

Quader said “we don’t live on an isolated island. Any crisis that hits the global stage also impacts Bangladesh. I can’t say for sure whether the ongoing fuel crisis will escalate or not in the coming days.”

Quader added “people should be prepared in advance for any untoward situation.”

NEW DELHI, 26 July 2022, (TON): Several world leaders, including presidents of China, Russia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, have congratulated India's new president Droupadi Murmu who assumed office.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday congratulated President Murmu, 64, on assuming office, saying he stands ready to work with her to enhance political mutual trust, properly handle differences and push bilateral ties forward on the right track.

In his first communication to Indian leadership since April 2021, Xi pointed out that China and India are important neighbours of each other, and that a healthy and stable China-India relationship is in line with the fundamental interests of the two countries and their people.

President Xi said “he attaches great importance to China-India relations, and stands ready to work with President Murmu to enhance political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation, properly handle differences and push bilateral ties forward on the right track, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.”

DHAKA, 26 July 2022, (TON): An official document showed “the government is working to defend it from the allegations of rights violation and reap political benefit from the planned visit of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet.”

Bachelet is scheduled to make her first visit to Bangladesh for four days from August 14 when she is expected to hold a series of meetings with the government officials and meet forcibly replaced  Rohingyas in Cox’s Bazar.

Officials said “an inter-ministerial meeting, chaired by foreign secretary Masud Bin Momen, on July 21 discussed the issues related to the visit and the government’s preparation.”

A background paper shared in the meeting read “the visit of the UN HCHR is, above all, has strong political element. This is needed to provide high importance on this visit, so that we can reap benefit from it, and the possible risks are averted.”

The visit of the HCHR is particularly important in the context of the recent sanctions.

DHAKA, 26 July 2022, (TON): Bangladesh and India have reiterated their commitment to continue to work towards citizen-centric consular mechanisms.

Noting the unique friendship and special bond between the two countries, especially in this 50th anniversary year of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties, they agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations through easier and more extensive people-to-people exchanges.

The third Bangladesh-India Consular Dialogue was held on Monday in Dhaka that discussed the issues of mutual interest.

Ausaf Sayeed, secretary (CPV and OIA) led the Indian delegation, while the delegation from Bangladesh was led by Mashfee Binte Shams, secretary, MoFA, Bangladesh.

The consular dialogue mechanism was instituted in 2017 to discuss and improve consular, visa and mutual legal assistance cooperation between India and Bangladesh.

DHAKA, 26 July 2022, (TON): Bangladesh and Japan agreed to elevate the bilateral relations between the two friendly countries this year  to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations.

A press release said “this was discussed when the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, HONDA Taro called on the State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam, MP at the State Guest House Padma last evening.”

During the meeting, Alam recalled the historic visit of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to Japan in October 1973, which laid the foundation of today’s exemplary bilateral relations between the two countries.

He also recalled the visit of the then Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe to Bangladesh in 2014, when the two countries elevated the bilateral relationship to ‘Comprehensive Partnership’ level.

By Fatima Mushfika
The relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan is a long and dense history. Its beginning emerges with the independence from the exploitations of the foreigners who subjugated the respective territories. Quaid- I – Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah- the first governor-general and founder of Pakistan once reported that,
“Pakistan has the warmest goodwill towards Ceylon, and I am sanguine that the good feeling which exist between our two people will be further strengthened as the years roll by and our common interests, and mutual and reciprocal handling of them, will bring us into still closer friendship.”
These two countries belong to the South Asian region where they share bilateral relations. Today they convey a strong bond with each other. They have stood when in hard times and defended each other. Pakistan has supported Sri Lanka in encountering the separatist group – the LTTE. They have provided necessary military support and training including Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. Pakistan has been an immense support in defeating the long waged civil war. Similarly, Sri Lanka as well, has engaged in counterterrorism activities in occasions that mandated an assistance to Pakistan. Even during the recent times when the ex-prime minister Imran Khan visited Colombo, he helped with the negotiation with the government which ultimately revoked the rules of the forced cremation of Covid -19 deaths- which was a huge burden and chaos at that period. Likewise, they also mutually agreed upon boosting tourism with each other. This essay shall share how Sri Lanka can boost tourism with Pakistan. Foremost, there shall be special attention on attractive and notable places which will draw the attention of respective tourists.
Prior to that, it is crucial to understand that both of these countries are labelled as developing countries. These nations also have significant ups and downs where they have shouldered one another. Tourism as such has been one aspect.
Tourism – in its simple definition is a voluntary movement of individuals and people outside their common territory (their country) for personal or commercial purposes. It’s effects on economy, culture and society are massive. In fact, it ensures the bond within these countries while also securing peace, safety and understanding of the differences. This is fundamental. The mode of travel between Sri Lanka and Pakistan is by air. Further, these countries attract each other with several beautiful places such as cultural and religious sites, beaches, and much more historical heritages. The tourists who visit each other places have a great sense of belongingness owing to the environment while enjoying several distinct places and sites. Sri Lanka is a Buddhist majority country while Pakistan on the other hand is a Muslim nation. Sri Lanka also is a multi-ethnic island. Recently, after Easter attack there has been a constructed racism which has brought a split within the two different ethnicities. At a time like this, when Pakistan strengthens their ties with Sri Lanka, this will ensure peace and harmony. It will also motivate people to pursue knowledge about their significant differences while providing a suitable environment for communication.
Regardless of Pakistan being a Muslim country, it exhibits ancient relics and architecture at Punjabi City that has Buddhist value. The Gandhara Art- a Buddhist oriented Art is a significant religious attraction to Sri Lankans. The ancient chief city – Taxila is known to be a vital cultural centre that attracts Sri Lankans even today.
Apart from the cultural significant place, Pakistan also holds picturesque places like the Swat Valley in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The place gives a surreal experience of panoramic views. The green land posses’ forests such as Ushu Forest which holistically contain deodar trees. Also, Pakistan has number of beautiful places and villages like Hunza. Here there are multiple scenic places that satisfies your eyes and soul. Passu Cones, Attabad Lake, Eagles nest are some of them.
Further, Lahore is another important place of visit for any historical lovers. The Mughal art still persists as stimulating depiction. There are beautiful artistic mosques as well, such as Badshahi Mosque and Wazir Khan Mosque.
Also, tourists who desire to see a surrounding with different species of animals and birds can visit Hingol National Park. The visitors are expected have their own mode of transportation within the boundaries. In addition, the Deosai Plains National Park is another separate visiting destination of stunning plateau. This is one of the most famous places and said to be accessible during summer vacations.
Despite the listing given above there are several other stunning places of visit that deserves a mandatory visit to Pakistan. The country is full of various and different sites. It welcomes site-seekers, hikers and any tourist who is willing to enjoy the differences of culture with unique and outstanding places. Sri Lankans – with a predominant Buddhist population will definitely witness noble, magnanimous, and exceptionally unique places.
Similarly, Pakistanis as well, shall enjoy many significant places at Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka being a multi-cultural country contains different historical places. This includes places such as historical residences like Sigiriya the rock, Temple of the Tooth Relic that stands in the heart of Kandy, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and much more. It also exhibits many seas and beaches like Hikkaduwa, Galle Face Green, Nilawali, Arugambay and so on. These sea views are the most notable and most desired destination by tourists. Each and every beach is uniquely different from one another and acknowledges different experiences.
More so, to witness the countryside charm- places like Ella, Riverston including Knuckles, Adams Peak are for significant mountain climbers. Sri Lanka is also a wonder island with many breathtaking places. There are world famous places that belong to world heritages as well. The Sinharaja forest is one among them and is a natural, tangible heritage.
Sri Lanka is a tourist destination, and it will definitely not disappoint the Pakistanis from enjoying a satisfying trip with multiple and divergent experiences.
Boosting the tourism industry
Overall, the two countries Sri Lanka and Pakistan are of outstanding and remarkable places that has several destinations to visit. It is in essence that both countries need to promote tourism to build healthy and strong ties. These nations have been in good relationship with each other. Likewise, it is compulsory of every individual to continue the goodness with utmost respect and comprehension. This can be credibly done by touring to the respective countries. This will ensure different experience such as enjoying cultural differences, enjoying the flavors of different cuisine and so forth.
Sri Lanka and Pakistan must initiate steps to boost the industry by highlighting their independent history and culture along with their unique experiences. They must also focus on places that draw attention of different interests. This will welcome tourists and also shall increase the percentage of their incoming into each other’s country. It is said that the percentage of tourism has likely have dropped massively in last years. This could be improved by strategic implementations towards tourism.
This brings us to the fact of creating job opportunities such as travel guiders by giving them professional trainings to improve the quality of guidance and similarities to have healthy conversations with tourists. It is compulsory that government focus more on providing a comfortable and a safe society to these incomers regardless of their differences from the locals. There also needs to have an awareness within the country ensuring a healthy and a hospitable relationship with the visitors.
Moreover, the best prospective places as afore mentioned need to be marketed. For this, we can invite famous youtubers who are bloggers and travelers to encourage visiting these countries. This will bring an exposure to the places which will further increase their number. In fact, this will promote a high revenue. We also need to remember that these two countries are lower-income country and hence need attractive remunerations and discounted plans to increase the percentage of the tourists. For instance, the government can initiate reliable websites to encourage tourists with proper guidance. This can include details of their charges, safety and comfort which are major expectations. Thus, it needs to be active and vibrant and needs to be constantly updated owing to any situation within the country.
Likewise, several strategic and diplomatic implementations can build the tourist industry between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, immensely. Let us promote tourism between these countries and secure the best of interests through building the tourist sector for unity and growth.