The High Commissioner - designate of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, Fred Seneviratne, paid a courtesy call on the Secretary, Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Amna Baloch on 06 August 2025.
The Secretary extended a warm welcome to the High Commissioner-designate and congratulated him on his new assignment as Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to Pakistan. She also briefed the High Commissioner on the longstanding and cordial affiliation between the two countries and discussed avenues to further enhance bilateral cooperation, particularly in the political, trade, and cultural spheres, based on mutual trust and friendship, as in the past and into the future.
During the meeting, she recalled her fond memories and positive experiences in Sri Lanka, as well as the country's development during her diplomatic assignment from 2011 to 2014.
High Commissioner-designate Seneviratne thanked the Secretary for the warm welcome and the opportunity to engage in a productive dialogue. He shared insights into Sri Lanka’s recent developments, including the country’s policies aimed at creating a corruption-free and clean Sri Lanka, and expressed his commitment to strengthening collaboration in areas of mutual interest during his tenure in Pakistan.
During the discussion, the High Commissioner-designate underscored the significance of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries, originally signed over two decades ago. He emphasized the need to revisit the agreement in light of the current economic landscape and the evolving import–export dynamics between both nations. In response, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the importance of reviewing the FTA and proposed the formation of a joint working group comprising representatives from both countries to facilitate the process.
The High Commissioner - designate was accompanied by Minister of the High Commission, Christy Ruban during the meeting.
Sri Lank High Commission
Islamabad
11 August 2025
