Pakistan appreciates Lanka’s stand

Pakistan Foreign Minister Inam-Ul-Haque who met Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama during the SAARC Council of Ministers meeting in Delhi on Friday, has once again expressed Pakistan’s appreciation to Sri Lanka for standing by Pakistan against the recent suspension of Pakistan from the Commonwealth.

He recalled that President Musharaff had also conveyed to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, how deeply appreciative Pakistan was of the role played by Bogollagama in this regard.

The Pakistan Foreign Minister said Sri Lanka’s supportive role exemplified the close relations between the two countries.

Bogollagama said Sri Lanka’s position on this issue has been consistent from the first time the issue was discussed in New York, through the London Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) meeting, and in Kampala, as we were confident that given time, the matter would resolve itself.

Emphasising that Pakistan was presently only under suspension from the Councils of the Commonwealth and not expelled, the Minister said one of the main reasons Sri Lanka was asked to continue to serve in the CMAG for an unprecedented third term, was because it was felt Sri Lanka could serve as an ideal candidate to ensue that Pakistan remained engaged with the commonwealth with a view to restoring her full participation.

Referring to strengthening of bi-lateral relations, Bogollagama said the two countries need to further strengthen economic relations through expanding on the FTA and ensuring greater connectivity by enhancing air links. It was agreed that talks between the aviation authorities of the two countries would take place early next year.