Foreign Minister has wide ranging talks with Pakistan delegation

A 17-member delegation from the Pakistan National Defence College called on Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar on April 11.

Welcoming the delegation Minister kadirgamar stated that Sri Lanka and Pakistan have maintained very close and warm relations. These ties were further consolidated during the recent visit of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga to Pakistan, where a number of agreements, including a Free Trade Agreement were signed between the two countries.

The Minister briefed the delegation on post tsunami construction work and said that Sri Lanka was most grateful for the generous assistance received from friendly countries.

Pakistan, he said was among the very first that came to Sri Lanka's assistance sending immediate relief. The Foreign Minister added that Sri Lanka was grateful for the training facilities provided by the Pakistan Defence College where Sri Lankan Armed Forces personnel received training every year. He also noted with gratitude, Pakistan's generous and instant assistance during moments of great distress to Sri Lanka; this he said would remain in the collective memory of the Sri Lankan people.

During the discussion that followed views were exchanged on a wide range of subjects including SAARC, economic development in the region as well as the proposed reforms in the United Nations.

The National Defence College is the apex military institution in Pakistan, imparting education in national security and defence matters to selected military and civilian officers including from friendly countries such as Sri Lanka.

Familiarisation visits to Sri Lanka by members of the Defence College started two decades ago and has now become a regular feature in their program.

The Deputy High Commissioner of the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo accompanied the delegation, which was headed by Rear Admiral Syed Afzal.