Sri Lanka, Pakistan to strengthen security cooperation to fight terrorism and transnational crime

Saturday, 9 August 2014 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka and Pakistan have reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen cooperation in countering terrorism and transnational crime in a comprehensive manner. During a meeting between the foreign secretaries of the two countries yesterday in Islamabad, the two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in combating drug and human trafficking, handling asylum seekers and other transnational crimes and to continue the cooperation with renewed vigor, which includes training of security personnel.

Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry and his Sri Lankan counterpart Kshenuka Seneviratne Wednesday (6 August) held the fourth round of political consultations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad. During the meeting, the Foreign Secretaries, while recognising the close and friendly relations the two countries enjoy, have agreed that further consolidation of relations is needed in diverse areas. They particularly sought enhanced cooperation in the fields of trade, education, culture and defence. Expressing appreciation for the support received from Pakistan at the international fora, especially against the UN resolution at the recent UNHRC session in Geneva, the Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary briefed her Pakistani counterpart on the current developments in Sri Lanka including the efforts on rehabilitation, reconciliation and resettlement in the war-torn areas. The two sides, while acknowledging each other’s support in education sphere, have agreed to further diversify and strengthen existing collaboration in the field of education. Both sides agreed to a continued collaboration and cooperation in regional and global issues of mutual interest, particularly in the region and working within the framework of SAARC. The two sides committed to share experience and assistance in event of natural disasters and calamities. The leaders of the delegations finalised the proposed agreement on cooperation in the field of Disaster Management for signing during the forthcoming Presidential visit in Islamabad while reiterating the need for continuing cooperation in this. Realising the effectiveness of the Foreign Secretary-level consultations, they agreed to regularly hold the talks. The ground for President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s visit to Pakistan later this month was also prepared during the consultations. During the President’s visit, the leaders of the two nations are expected to evaluate bilateral relations and identify potential areas for further cooperation to the mutual benefit. The Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary also called on Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs.