SL, Pakistan renew commitment to enhance relations

The Pakistan High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Major General Muhammad Saad Khattak (Retd.) called on the new Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris on 20 August at the Foreign Ministry.  

Having congratulated Foreign Minister Peiris on his appointment, the Pakistan High Commissioner briefed him on the situation in Afghanistan. He emphasised that the Taliban had assured the safety of foreign nationals in Afghanistan and had also made a pledge that rights of women and children would be protected. The High Commissioner also said Pakistan hopes that Afghanistan will soon establish a peaceful government structure and integrate with the rest of the world.

Prof. Peiris informed High Commissioner Khattak that Sri Lanka was closely monitoring the developments in Afghanistan and making arrangements in coordination with other friendly nations and international organisations to evacuate Sri Lankans from that country. Minister Peiris also sought assistance from the Government of Pakistan to evacuate Sri Lankan nationals from Afghanistan, to which High Commissioner Khattak responded by assuring that the fullest support would be extended by his government in that context. 

Prof. Peiris and the Pakistan High Commissioner Khattak discussed further scope for enhancing trade and investment opportunities between both countries under the bilateral Free Trade Agreement as well as through joint initiatives aimed at promotion of investments.

Prof. Peiris appreciated the training opportunities provided by the Pakistan Government for the Sri Lanka defence forces and scholarships for Sri Lankan students for their higher studies, and stressed that those opportunities and cooperation in defence matters should be further increased in the coming years.

They also explored a wide range of areas of mutual interest in which the existing longstanding ties between the two countries could be diversified into new projects, advancing collaboration.

Foreign Secretary Prof. Jayanath Colombage was present at the meeting.