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Pakistan, Lanka for early holding of SAARC summit
ISLAMABAD, Feb 09 : Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Wednesday called for early holding of the South Asian summit to move forward the SAARC process.
Both the countries have also expressed their determination to further strengthen bilateral ties particularly in the fields of trade and economy.
This was stated by the Prime Minister Mr. Shaukat Aziz and Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga while addressing a joint news conference after their talks in Islamabad.
The Prime Minister said both the countries during the talks shared disappointment on the postponement of the summit and agreed to make efforts for its early reconvening.
“The SAARC process should not be stalled due to this postponment and both countries will continue efforts to make the SAARC an effective body”.
“Both the countries enjoy close and friendly relations,” Mr Aziz said and hoped that the free trade agreement signed today will be a stepping stone in expanding Pak Sri Lanka economic ties.
To a question he said the agreement will not affect SAFTA rather than it will help expand bilateral ties between the two countries and promote bilateralism in South Asia.
Mr. Shaukat Aziz to a question described the talks with the Sri Lankan leader as constructive and said they have held intensive and detailed discussions to further strengthen bilateral ties. “Special emphasis was laid on enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries”.
He said Pakistan also emphasized the need for greater cooperation of private sector of the two countries.
He said the Joint economic Commission of both countries will meet in Colombo in April this year which will help give a fresh impetus to our ties. Similarly Pakistan will hold a single country exhibition on Colombo this year.
The Prime Minister to anther question said both sides also discussed establishment of early warning system to avoid natural disasters in South Asia, promoting of SAARC process, strengthening the SAARC Secretariat besides increasing economic cooperation.
He said Pakistan has already extended full support to Sri lanka and other Tsunami affected countries and would continue to assist the affected people. “Pakistan will also rebuild two mosques in Sri Lanka which were damaged by the recent tsunami”.
Speaking on the occasion, the Sri Lankan President said her country attaches great importance to further strengthen bilateral ties with Pakistan.
She described the signing of FTA a new milestone in promoting Pak-Sri lanka ties. “I am confident that my visit will give a new impetus to promote bilateral ties of both the countries”.
Mrs. Kumaratunga expressed gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for extending support in hour of tragedy to the Sri Lankan people.
To a question, she said Sri Lanka fully supports early reconvening of SAARC summit and will do its utmost efforts in this regard.
Earlier both the leaders held one to one meeting and discussed various matters of mutual importance and regional issues.
Later, briefing newsmen an official spokesman said Pakistan and Sri Lanka signed six agreements and MoUs which will go a long way to further strengthen ties in various areas.
He said an important agreement has been signed today in which Sri Lanka will extend technical assistance to Pakistan and provide services for polishing and cutting of precious stones to add their value.
“As Prime Minister gives top priority to education, it was decided in the meeting that both the countries will cooperate in the field of education and a Pakistani delegation will shortly visit Sri Lanka to study their education system. Pakistan will also consider to hire the services of education experts from Sri Lanka to develop education system”.
He said the Prime Minister briefed the Sri Lanka President about the structural reforms in Pakistan and offered to collaborate with Sri Lanka and share its experience to improve Sri Lankan economy.
The Sri Lankan President thanked for defence collaboration from Pakistan and hoped this cooperation will continue in future
Meanwhile Pakistan and Sri Lanka signed six agreements and MoUs to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields in Islamabad today.
These agreements include; an agreement to allow free trade between the two countries, agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, MoU to promote cooperation in agriculture research, agreement for provision of ten million dollars credit facility to Sri Lanka ,MoU for technical assistance in the field of Gemology and Jewellery and an agreement for granting exemption on payment of visa fee by the students.