Time-tested friendship

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari left Sri Lanka on Tuesday after a four day official visit no doubt taking with him fond memories and ample goodwill. Pakistan no doubt has a special place in the hearts and minds of all patriotic Sri Lankans for it was one of the few countries who stood by it in both fair and foul weather. It would not be an exaggeration to say that but for its unbroken assistance to Sri Lanka in the form of sophisticated military hardware during her war against terror, the eventual victory achieved would have taken us that much longer. It is also well-known that Pakistan even had to risk the displeasure and opprobrium of certain countries for this military assistance to Sri Lanka but she stood her ground.

It is now the appropriate time to take this brotherhood and goodwill displayed to a different plane that would further cement the existing bonds between the two countries and redefine her relationship. The arrival of the Pakistani leader in this context no doubt would have created the necessary backdrop and a prelude to this enhanced relationship.

There is much that the two countries could jointly engage in to strengthen mutual cooperation. It is hoped that the many agreements signed during the visit would propel the two countries into new era of friendship and co-operation. For starters both countries reiterated their mutual commitment to greater bilateral economic co-operation. There is much scope for a flourishing trade and economic activity between the two countries with Sri Lanka now rid of the fetters of terrorism. They also agreed to strengthen co-operation in counter-terrorism at a time when the phenomenon of terrorism has taken on a global dimension. Both countries who had to bear the brunt of decades of terrorism - with Pakistan still a victim of this scourge -knows the imperative of joint action to counter this evil. In this regard the agreement reached by the two leaders to promote a dialogue on security and defence issues including through high level contacts between Defence Forces and training of Security Forces personnel assumes significance.

President Rajapaksa no doubt was profuse in expressing the gratitude of the Sri Lanka people for the unqualified support extended by Pakistan in the defeat of terrorism. According to the joint communique issued after bilateral talks between the two leaders President Rajapaksa who reiterated his appreciation for the assistance provided by Pakistan during Sri Lanka's war against terrorism also elaborated on the steps taken by the Government to return normalcy to the country after the 30-year conflict.

As it did by assisting Sri Lanka to defeat terrorism, Pakistan can also play a not inconsiderable role in helping the country to emerge from the ashes of war by making a significant contribution in its rebuilding and reconstruction process. The visit of the Pakistani leader no doubt would be a catalyst for such an exercise. The fresh initiatives to strengthen among other ties existing trade and investment links between both countries augers well and could be a harbinger for a rejuvenated relationship.

The two leaders noted that the "undoubted potential for greater investment and joint ventures between the two countries should be leveraged for expanded collaboration including in the sugar production and cement manufacturing sectors": Emphasis was also laid on connectivity meaning facilitating more and more interaction between the two countries on many levels not least of which is the people to people contact. The measures to create awareness about the cultural heritage shared by both nations no doubt would prove a catalyst in this regard. The offer by the Pakistani leader to hold an exhibition on the Gandhara Civilisation in Colombo to coincide with the Sambuddha Jayanthi is also significant.

Such connectivity would also make the SAARC family more inclusive and a powerful bloc with a prominent voice. Welcoming the growing connectivity between the two countries the two leaders called for greater co-operation in tourism and promotion of people to people contacts as well as the increase of direct flights and the establishment of direct shipping service all of which auger well for a burgeoning relationship, not to mention economic dividends.

Pakistan has not only been a steadfast ally in Sri Lanka's battle against terrorism. It has also come out to strongly to redeem us from embarrassing situations. One recalls how during the 1996 Cricket World Cup when certain foreign teams refused to play in Sri Lanka ostensibly due to the threat of terrorism a team from Pakistan (and also India) came here to fill the breach and express solidarity with us.

Today the roles have been somewhat reversed with Pakistan shunned as an international sporting venue. In this regard it is a matter for gratification that Sri Lanka was the only country to send a cricket team to Pakistan in recent times which in a sense was a reciprocation of that gesture though having to undergo a harrowing ordeal.

It is such a spirit that should guide the relationship between the two countries at a time when hostile elements are arrayed against them trying to undermine their existence.