Pakistan extended a 20-million dollar credit for Sri Lanka to make defence-related purchases while offering another 10 million dollars export credit, officials said on Tuesday. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz ended discussion on military co-operation between the two countries during his talks with President Chandrika Kumaratunga and members of her cabinet, officials said.
"Both sides agreed to strengthen co-operation in this field (of defence) and to launch the 20 million dollars credit line," an official said.
Pakistan has been a key supplier of small arms to Sri Lankan security forces, who are observing a truce with Tamil Tiger rebels since February 2002.
The two countries are also set to launch a free trade agreement by January when Kumaratunga visits Islamabad, Aziz announced at a meeting with local businessmen here on Monday.
He declined to comment on a proposed defence co-operation pact between Sri Lanka and India but noted that military co-operation between Colombo and Islamabad was "excellent."
"We had extensive discussions (Sunday) with the Sri Lankan president and members of her cabinet. We have good military relations between the two countries," he said on Monday.
Comments
Comments are closed.