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Sunday Oct 06, 2024
Tuesday, 24 March 2015 00:15 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Dr. Sipra said that the Government of Pakistan is actively engaged with all neighbouring countries in an effort to create a peaceful neighbourhood and at the same time intensifying economic engagement with all friendly countries.
On Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations, he explained that both sides have intensified political engagement and undertaken substantive measures to further deepen and broaden the economic relationship including refining the Free Trade Agreement, expanding the portfolio of tradable items and encouraging bilateral investment. This relationship is independent of any compulsions. High level visits, exchanges and multiple institutionalised mechanisms continuously provide renewed vigour to propel and expand the relationship to newer heights, he added.
He highlighted that the Government of Pakistan is engaged in Sri Lanka’s social sector development. Some of the projects being sponsored include construction of schools, clean drinking water supply projects, livelihood generation, setting up computer training centres, upgrading hospitals in rural areas and providing scholarships to needy children.
The Acting High Commissioner said that Pakistan has rendered unconditional support to Sri Lankan Armed Forces in the form of military hardware and training to eliminate terrorism.
The substantive Defence Cooperation between the two countries continues in various areas. Pakistan is the biggest training provider to Sri Lankan Armed and Civilian forces. He reiterated that Pakistan will never forget the refuelling facilities provided by the great nation of Sri Lanka in 1971 despite strong displeasure from some mighty quarters.
The High Commissioner also conveyed warm regards and best wishes from the Government and people of Pakistan to the Government and people of Sri Lanka.
The Acting High Commissioner also hoisted the national flag of Pakistan during the ceremony attended by a large number of participants from various walks of life including members of the Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship Association, Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Council, prominent Sri Lankan personalities and the Pakistani community based in Sri Lanka. Later, the messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out to the participants.
The High Commission of Pakistan also hosted a reception in connection with the National Day of Pakistan on the same evening.
The National Day of Pakistan is celebrated every year on 23 March to commemorate the most outstanding achievement of the Muslims of South Asia who passed the historic ‘Pakistan Resolution’ on this day at Lahore in 1940 which culminated in creation of Pakistan after seven years.
