Sri Lankan President Advocates for Global South in Meeting with Iranian Counterpart

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Colombo on Monday, where he advocated for greater autonomy and strength of the Global South. During the meeting, Wickremesinghe expressed appreciation to Iran for its technical support in executing a vital $514 million irrigation project in Sri Lanka, which will provide water supply to around 6,000 hectares of agricultural land and generate 120 MW of electricity.

The two countries also signed five agreements to expand bilateral ties and development cooperation, particularly in the energy, water, agriculture, and technology sectors. The agreements cover areas such as cultural, scientific, technical, mass media, sports, youth, national libraries, cooperatives, media, tourism, and the film industry.

Wickremesinghe's remarks came amid reports of 'Western pressure' on Colombo, as Raisi's visit to Sri Lanka followed Iran's missile and drone attack on Israel in retaliation for an air strike on the Iranian Embassy compound in Damascus. The two countries also agreed to explore trading in Asian currencies instead of U.S. dollars.

Why this matters: The meeting between the Sri Lankan and Iranian presidents highlights the growing solidarity among nations of the Global South, which broadly comprises developing countries in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Oceania. These nations often face challenges like lower incomes, high poverty levels, and inadequate infrastructure, and are seeking to establish their own identity and independence from developed nations.

During the joint press conference, President Raisi stated that there are no limitations to expanding political, economic, trade, and cultural relations between Sri Lanka and Iran. He also condemned the continuation of the Zionist regime's genocide in Gaza and called for coordinated action by Islamic and independent countries to stop the Israeli crimes, lift the blockade of Gaza, and deliver aid to the oppressed people.

President Wickremesinghe stressed the importance of cooperation on issues related to the Indian Ocean and joint initiatives at the United Nations. He emphasized the need for solidarity among nations of the Global South, criticizing Western countries for using human rights tactics to put pressure on independent countries. "The Global South has been heavily dependent on developed nations, which has deprived them of their autonomy," Wickremesinghe said.

Key Takeaways

• Sri Lankan President met Iranian counterpart, advocated for Global South autonomy.
• Countries signed 5 agreements to expand ties in energy, water, agriculture, technology.
• Discussed trading in Asian currencies instead of US dollars, amid 'Western pressure'.
• Highlighted growing solidarity among developing nations facing common challenges.
• Condemned Israeli 'genocide' in Gaza, called for coordinated action by Islamic nations.