ISLAMABAD, Jan 25 (Asia Free Press): Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi has underlined the expansion of bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Sri Lanka across diverse areas, including trade and investment, tourism, culture, education, defence and agriculture, according to media reports.
The Foreign Minister received Minister of Trade of Sri Lanka, Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana and State Minister for Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya, along with other important trade dignitaries, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reported APP.
Pak FM Qureshi also highlighted the importance of strengthening the existing fraternal relations between the two countries through high-level exchanges.
Qureshi said that all efforts must be made to enhance bilateral trade relations through optimal utilization of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA), particularly by expanding interaction between the business communities on both sides, and joint ventures and investments in high potential sectors, FM Qureshi said while recalling the Prime Minister’s visit to Sri-Lanka in February 2021.
The FM noted that deepening economic cooperation through proactive economic diplomacy was a top priority for the government in the context of its policy focus on geo-economics.
Reciprocating the sentiments, Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana thanked the Government of Pakistan for warm hospitality and the goodwill towards Sri Lanka at all levels.
He appreciated Pakistan’s consistent friendship and support for Sri Lanka and noted that his visit was aimed at further advancing mutually beneficial economic and trade relations.
Sri Lanka was keen to expand ties in the whole range of sectors including ICT, pharmaceuticals, minerals, textiles, logistics, shipping, education and tourism, the visitor Minister added.
Both Pakistan and Sri-Lanka also agreed to continue close collaboration in multi-lateral fora and to strengthen regional cooperation further.
