ISLAMABAD: The visiting Sri Lankan President, Mahinda Rajapkasa and
Prime Minister, Yusuf Raza Gilani Saturday agreed to enhance trade
between the two countries up to two billion US dollars during the next
three years, officials said.
The volume of current bilateral trade stands at $375 million.
”The
two held bilateral talks and agreed to continue their cooperation in
the fields of defence, agriculture, banking, shipping and tourism,” a
statement from the Prime Minister’s office said.
The Sri Lankan President agreed to continue the defence cooperation between the two countries, it said.
Both
sides agreed to make Joint Ministerial Commission more effective aimed
at enhancing cooperation in all sectors compatible to their ties. Next
meeting of the Joint Ministerial Commission will be held in Colombo this
year.
They agreed to explore opportunities of investments in
various sectors especially in the fields of construction, education,
agriculture and shipping, the statement said.
Both sides also
agreed to explore the vistas in the fields of banking and the State Bank
of Pakistan would discuss the currency swap to boost trade between the
two countries. The establishment of National Bank of Pakistan in Sri
Lanka was also discussed, the establishment of which will increase trade
between the two countries.
Both the sides agreed to extend
technical cooperation in the fields of agriculture and textile in which
Pakistan has developed expertise.
Prime Minister Gilani said that the concurrence of MoU by the Sri Lankan government may be expedited.
The
Sri Lankan President extended his deep sense of gratitude to Pakistan
for helping in surmounting the cause of terrorism in his country.
The
Prime Minister said that Pakistani nation was happy that Sri Lanka was
on the trajectory of development and progress with 8% per annum GDP
growth.
The two sides emphasized on the need to exchange
Parliamentary and Media delegations aimed at enhancing people to people
contact to further strengthen the relations between the people of the
two countries.
Pakistan side included Minister for Foreign
Affairs Mrs Hina Rabbani Khar, Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance Dr
Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Minister for Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan,
Minister for State & Frontier Regions Engr Shaukatullah, Chairman
Board of Investment, Secretaries Defence, Professional and Technical
Training and Foreign Affairs, Pakistan High Commissioner to Sri Lanka
and other senior officials.
Sri Lankan side included Minister
for External Affairs Prof G.L. Peiris, High Commissioner to Pakistan Air
Chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody, Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs and
Skills Development Duminda Dissanayake, Deputy Minister of Technology
and Research Faiszer Musthapha and senior officials. Online
