Pakistan reiterates commitment to Lanka's territorial integrity

PAKISTAN: Pakistani Foreign Minister Khursid M Kasuri yesterday reiterated his country's commitment to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka.

Addressing a joint press conference with visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama following bilateral talks in Islamabad, Kasuri said Pakistan was always committed to these principles.

This was Bogollagama's first official visit to Islamabad since his assumption of office two weeks ago.

Bogollagama appreciated the consistent support Sri Lanka received from Pakistan and stressed the importance of extending the existing bilateral relationship to new areas of cooperation to bring prosperity to the people of the two countries.

The two Ministers discussed a range of matters of mutual interest, including in the political, economic, cultural and educational spheres.

They appreciated the enhancement of bilateral trade, following the signing of the Free Trade Agreement in 2005.

The two Ministers agreed that increased aviation and sea links should be further enhanced to realise the full potential of the existing bilateral trade mechanisms.

In this respect, the two Ministers decided to have the next round of bilateral Air Negotiations convened as early as possible.

Focusing on the importance of expanding people-to-people contact and following the MoU on tourism signed in 2006 during the State visit to Pakistan by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the two delegations appreciated the necessity to develop the tourism sector, focusing on mutual cultural interests.

In this connection, Kasuri informed the Sri Lankan delegation that 2007 has been named as "Visit Pakistan Year" and a special cultural event linked to Buddhism will take place in November to promote the Buddhist culture.

He extended an invitation to Sri Lanka to participate in this "Gandhara Week".

Bogollagama accepted the invitation, saying Sri Lanka will only be too happy to participate in such a Buddhist cultural event.

Bogollagama also expressed the desirability of promoting joint Buddhist cultural tourism by Pakistan and Sri Lanka to attract Buddhists in other countries through air travel including destinations of Buddhist cultural interest of the two countries.

Kasuri acknowledged the proposal and observed that Pakistan could gain substantially from the expertise and experience of Sri Lanka's tourism industry.

Bogollagama offered Pakistan opportunities of training in the hospitality area which the Pakistan Foreign Minister accepted.

Bogollagama was assisted by Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona, Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Islamabad, Dr. W.B. Dorakumbure, Additional Secretary Foreign Affairs Geetha de Silva and senior officials.