Pakistan and Sri Lanka have signed six agreements, including one on atomic energy, and memorandum of understanding (MoU) to increase trade volume and to enhance co-operation in various sectors. Speaking at a joint news conference with visiting Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena after witnessing signing of MoU, Prime Minister said that the agreements would go a long way to cement relations between the two countries, and invited Sri Lankan investors for making investment in Pakistan auto and industrial sectors.
Agreements and MoUs singed include; (i) an MoU for Co-operation between Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission and Atomic Energy Authority of Sri Lanka; (ii) an agreement on Co-operation against Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances; (iii) an academic Co-operation Agreement on Exchange and Collaboration between National Defence University of Pakistan and Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies of Sri Lanka; (iv) an MoU in the field of Sports; (v) an MoU on Mutual Co-operation in Shipping Business between Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) and the Ceylon Shipping Corporation Ltd (CSCL); (vi) an MoU on Co-operation in Disaster Management.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Sri Lanka which are most cordial and friendly. There is immense goodwill in Pakistan for Sri Lanka which should permit us to develop even more close and co-operative relations in all fields including political, economic and defence, he said.
Nawaz Sharif added that the present volume of trade (US $438 million) between the two countries does not reflect the real potential and both sides should make efforts to take bilateral trade to US $1 billion within the next few years. He expressed the confidence that Joint Working Groups on trade, investment, automotive sector and customs co-operation will enhance economic co-operation between the two countries. Nawaz Sharif thanked Sri Lanka for unconditional support to Pakistan's candidatures to the Government Board of Asian Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) and ECOSOC, a UN body for the term 2015-18. The Prime Minister said SAARC is an important vehicle for regional co-operation as well as for promoting peace, stability and progress.
The President of Sri Lanka stated that he was extremely happy on his first visit to Pakistan and stated that he was grateful to Pakistan for providing support to his country in fight against terrorism. We have held discussion on regional and international issues, he said adding that his country would welcome Pakistani investors and invited Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) to resume flights to Sri Lanka.
The President said the two countries draw strength and inspiration from the warmth of their engagement and the depth of understanding that this visit has generated for charting a more dynamic course in their relationship.
He expressed his gratitude to Pakistan for extending assistance under various programs.
Sirisena also invited the Prime Minister to undertake a visit to Sri Lanka at his convenience. The Prime Minister also hosted lunch in honour of the President, which was attended by Cabinet Ministers, members of parliament as well as senior government officials. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff committee was also present on the occasion.
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