Pakistan and Sri Lanka need to work more vigorously in the field of trade and commerce, Pakistan's new envoy to Colombo, Bashir Wali Mohmand said in an interview published on Monday.
"Pakistan and Sri Lanka have enjoyed excellent relations based on mutual trust and confidence helping each other in crucial moments of their history. But these relations are not adequately reflected in terms of economic relations" the newspaper 'Sunday Observer,' quoted him as saying.
Mohmand said he would make every effort to take those historical bonds to a new height by increasing interaction in political, economic, commercial, cultural and education fields.
The two countries signed in Framework Treaty for Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during President Musharraf's visit to Colombo in 2000, which was in the final stages and would give a new dimension to the economic relations between the two countries, he said.
Commenting on South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (Saarc), Mohmand said that Pakistan remained committed to the Saarc process for promotion of regional co-operation or mutual benefit of all member states.
Commended the signing of the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (Safta) during the 12th Saarc Summit, he said: "The signing of the Safta was a historic moment and heralds a new beginning for the people of South Asia. This together with the signing of social charter, protocol on combating terrorism financing has given a new life to the organisation."
The High Commissioner said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka shared a commonality of interest in maintaining peace security and stability in the region for economic development of the people.
He said that Pakistan had always admired the constructive and pivotal played Sri Lanka under President Kumaratunga's leadership in the evolution of the Saarc.
About the peace process in Sri Lanka, Mohmand said Pakistan supported the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka.
The envoy said Pakistan hoped that they would soon be able to achieve lasting and durable peace in Sri Lanka.
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