Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Tuesday agreed on the need to further consolidate their bilateral relations in diverse areas, particularly enhanced co-operation in the fields of trade, education, culture and defence. The agreement was reached during a meeting of foreign secretaries of Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry and Mrs Kshenuka Senewiratne respectively, held in connection with fourth round of political consultations here.
The Sri Lankan delegation comprised Air Chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody, Sri Lankan High Commissioner, Senior DIG Anura Senanayake, Ministry of Defence and Urban Development, Dharshana Mahendra Perera, Acting DG/South Asia, Ministry of External Affairs, Samantha Wijesekara, Deputy Director, Department of Commerce, Mrs Tharanga Liyanage, Director (Middle East & SAARC), Department of External Resources and officials of the Sri Lankan High Commission. The senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and 12 other government departments were part of the Pakistani delegation.
The foreign secretaries recognised that based on political goodwill the two countries enjoyed close and friendly relations, which had strengthened over the years. However, they agreed on the need to further consolidate them in diverse areas. They particularly sought enhanced co-operation in the fields of trade, education, culture and defence.
Mrs Kshenuka Senewiratne briefed her Pakistani counterpart on the current developments in Sri Lanka, including the efforts on rehabilitation, reconciliation and resettlement in the post war conflict areas.
The Sri Lankan side expressed deep appreciation for the steadfast support received from Pakistan at the international fora, particularly at the recently concluded UNHRC session in Geneva in countering the elements that undermine the reconciliation process. They also appreciated the development assistance by the Government of Pakistan towards Sri Lanka's reconstruction efforts.
The Sri Lankan side appreciated the scholarships provided by Pakistan in various fields of education and in training of their diplomats at the Foreign Service Academy. Sri Lanka also welcomed proposals from Pakistan for assistance in curriculum development in training in the health and gems and jewellery sectors. The Pakistan side reciprocated its appreciation for the scholarships offered by the Government of Sri Lanka for its nationals. It was agreed to further diversify and strengthen existing collaboration in the field of education.
Regional and global issues of mutual interest also came up for discussion during the consultations. In this context, both the sides agreed to a continued collaboration and co-operation. An exchange of views took place on a range of issues including matters of mutual interest, particularly in the region and working within the framework of SAARC.
The two sides committed to share experience and assistance in event of natural disasters and calamities. The leaders of the delegations finalised the proposed agreement on co-operation in the field of disaster management for signing during the forthcoming Presidential visit in Islamabad while reiterating the need for continuing co-operation in this.
Both the sides reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen co-operation in countering terrorism, drug and human trafficking, asylum seekers problems, and translational crimes in a comprehensive manner. It was agreed to continue the co-operation with renewed vigour, which includes training of security personnel. Realising the effectiveness of the foreign secretary-level consultations, they agreed to regularly hold the talks. The consultations prepared ground for President Mahinda Rajapaksa's visit to Pakistan later this month. During the visit, the two leaders will take stock of the bilateral relations and identify potential areas for co-operation to the mutual benefit of the countries and its people.
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