Pakistani Foreign Secretary notes a ‘marked difference’ in Sri Lanka after the war

Pakistan Foreign Secretary Jalil Abbas Jilani, who is visiting Sri Lanka from 4 to 5 April to take part in the third round of bilateral political consultations between the two countries, called on the President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat.

While conveying “greetings and very best wishes” from Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Jilani said, “We in Pakistan greatly appreciate our friendship.”

The Pakistani official told the President that he last visited Sri Lanka in 2005 during the war and said he observes a marked difference in the country now.

“There is a marked difference; there is a peace and tranquility one feels,” he said.

During his two-day visit, the Foreign Secretary is scheduled to call on External Affairs Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris and Minister for Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa.

Jilani will also hold in-depth discussions on a variety of bilateral issues of mutual interest with his Sri Lankan counterpart Karunatilaka Amunugama as well as with Secretary Defence Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

According to the Pakistan Foreign Ministry the visit of the Foreign Secretary to Sri Lanka is part of a tradition of high-level contacts and exchanges between the two countries, as the two countries enjoy active engagement in all important fields including trade and commerce.