Arabian countries contribute much to strengthen world economy - PM

Arabian countries provide a higher contribution to strengthen world economy, Prime Minister D M Jayaratne said.

"There are about 30.8 billion Muslims in the world. The majority live in Arabian countries with oil resources.

Prime Minister D M Jayaratne greeting United Arab Emirate's ambassador to Sri Lanka Abdul Hamid A K Al-Mulla

Therefore, leaders of Arabian countries are dedicated to protect and manage oil resource to strengthen world economy," United Arab Emirates ambassador to Sri Lanka Abdul Hamid A K Al-Mulla said when he paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister at Visumpaya.

The Prime Minister said outside pressure to countries like Syria, Iran, Iraq and Egypt has become a political issue.

He said some Western countries are responsible for this situation.

United Arab Emirates can be considered as one of the major countries equipped with oil resources. The economic development of United Arab Emirates bears significant importance in the world economy, Prime Minister Jayaratne said. He spoke of the attempt of Arabian leaders to integrate large and small countries during the 1940s, and said a special contribution was received from those countries to uphold world peace.

Prime Minister Jayaratne spoke of the cooperation of Middle East countries, including United Arab Emirates, when President Mahinda Rajapaksa launched a development strategy in the country.

Ambassador Al-Mulla brought to the Prime Minister's notice that some African countries are still poor thought they have oil resources.

"The proper management of oil resources will pave the way to contribute directly to the world economy and rapid economic growth," he said.

The ambassador praised Sri Lanka's natural beauty.

He said he was able to understand the pulse of Sri Lankans during the six months he spent in the country.

The Sri Lankan government is making every effort to enhance the country's economy, Ambassador Al-Mulla said.

He said the arrival of a plane belonging to United Arab Emirates at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport will strengthen the solidarity between UAE and Sri Lanka.

"The economy of the United Arab Emirates is being further strengthened.

Sri Lanka will receive continuous support from the United Arab Emirates to uplift the economic process, including infrastructure facilities," the ambassador said.

Prime Minister's Secretary S Amarasekera also attended the meeting.