Pakistan, Sri Lankan FMs Review Progress in Bilateral Ties
'Pakistan Times' Federal Bureau

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Khurshid M. Kasuri on Wednesday expressed his satisfaction over the existing friendly relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which share similar interests in regional peace, security and stability.

He was talking to Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka Dr. Palitha T. B. Kohona, who called on him here in the Foreign Office today.

Dr. Palitha T. B. Kohonawho is currently on a visit to Pakistan from July 17 to 19, for holding the second Foreign Secretary level bilateral consultations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Kasuri and Dr. Palitha underscored the need to further strengthen cooperation in different fields including trade, tourism, education, oil & gas and exploration.

They reviewed progress in the bilateral trade following the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries since June 2005.

Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary briefed Foreign Minister Kasuri about the recent developments in Sri Lanka.

The meeting lasted 45 minutes. The Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary was accompanied by High Commissioner W.B. Dorakumburain of Sri Lanka in Islamabad.

Details

Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Wednesday agreed on the need to further strengthen the existing friendly relations between the two countries, with the commitment to work closely to strengthen multi-faceted and multi-sectoral cooperation in the fields of trade, education, culture, tourism and defence.

The two sides reached this understanding during the second Foreign Secretary Level Bilateral Consultations held here today.

The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Dr. Palitha Kohona, Foreign Secretary of Sri Lanka, and the Pakistan delegation was led by Riaz Mohammad Khan, Foreign Secretary of Pakistan.

Both sides discussed a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual concern and noted the similar approaches for the promotion of peace, stability and socio-economic progress.

While expressing satisfaction on the progress made by the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), both sides agreed on increased efforts for boosting bilateral trade.

Both sides stressed the need to expand the scope of the FTA by including Trade in Services, Investment and harmonization of Customs procedures.

They agreed on an awareness campaign in respect of the FTA and efforts to reach a target of US $ one billion in bilateral trade in the next few years.

Specific areas for trade promotion including trade in livestock, cement and motorcycles were discussed. They also agreed on measures for visa facilitation for businessmen.

Both sides discussed the possibility of Pakistan’s participation in oil and gas exploration in Sri Lanka. The two sides explored opportunities for joint ventures in textile and tourism sector.

While appreciating the expertise of the Pakistan Railways (PR), the Sri Lankan side expressed interest in involving PR in expansion projects of Sri Lanka Railways.

It was agreed to increase people to people contacts by exploiting opportunities under the Cultural Exchange Programme signed between the two countries.

Pakistan agreed to facilitate religious tourism from Sri Lanka to benefit from the rich Buddhist heritage of Pakistan.

The two sides expected that progress will be made towards increasing air links between the two countries during the Air Service Agreement talks scheduled to be held in August this year, particularly in view of the potential for increased tourism.

The Sri Lankan side, while appreciating the scholarships provided by Pakistan in various fields and training for their diplomats, stressed the need to further diversify the existing collaboration in the field of education.

The Pakistan side conveyed the decision to increase the number of scholarships for students from Sri Lanka.

It was also agreed that the 10th session of Joint Economic Commission (JEC) will be held in the first quarter of next year. Exact dates will be finalized through the diplomatic channel.

Both sides condemned the menace of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and expressed their resolve to combat extremism and terrorism for the preservation of shared global values of peace, progress and harmony.

Sri Lankan foreign secretary briefed his counterpart about recent developments in the situation in Sri Lanka, including on the success in clearing the LTTE from the East of the country.

The Pakistan Foreign Secretary expressed appreciation and support for the efforts of Sri Lanka to consolidate the peace process and preserve its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

He informed the Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary about Pakistan’s efforts to counter terrorism and extremism.

The Pakistan Foreign Secretary briefed the Sri Lankan side on the status of Pakistan-India Composite Dialogue and the situation in the region.

Both sides expressed their commitment to work collectively for promoting regional cooperation in the framework of SAARC.

It was noted that Pakistan and Sri Lanka continue to cooperate closely on global issues in various international fora including the United Nations.

Dr. Palitha Kohona also called on the Foreign Minister and the Prime Minister.●