Thursday, 07th August 2014
ISLAMABAD: On Wednesday, Pakistan and Sri Lanka reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen cooperation in countering terrorism, drug and human trafficking, asylum seekers’ problems and trans-national crimes in a comprehensive manner.
It was agreed to continue cooperation with a renewed vigour that included training security personnel. The agreement came from foreign secretaries of Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry and Kshenuka Senewiratne, respectively; who held fourth round of political consultations today. Both countries agreed to further consolidate diverse areas as fields of trade, education, culture and defence.
The foreign secretaries recognised based on political goodwill that the two countries enjoy close and friendly relations that have strengthened over the years. Kshenuka Senewiratne briefed her Pakistani counterpart on the current developments in Sri Lanka including the efforts on rehabilitation, reconciliation and resettlement in the former war zones.
The Sri Lankan side expressed deep appreciation for the steadfast support received from Pakistan at the international forum, particularly at the recently concluded UNHRC session in Geneva in countering elements that undermine reconciliation process. She also appreciated development assistance by the government of Pakistan towards Sri Lanka’s reconstruction efforts. The Sri Lankan side appreciated 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, training in the health and gems and jewellery sectors. Pakistan 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 collaborations in the field of education.
Regional and global issues of mutual interest also came up for discussion during consultations where both sides agreed to a continued collaboration and cooperation. 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 the SAARC.
The two sides committed to share experience and assistance in the event of natural disasters and calamities. The leaders of the delegations finalised proposed agreement on cooperation in the field of Disaster Management for signing during the forthcoming presidential visit in Islamabad reiterating the need for continuing cooperation in this regard.
Realising the effectiveness of the foreign secretary-level consultations, they agreed to regularly hold the talks.
