SL, Pakistan hold fifth round of political consultations

The fifth round of foreign secretaries-level bilateral political consultations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was held in Colombo on Tuesday.

Pakistani delegates were headed by Foreign Ministry Secretary Tehmina Janjua and the Sri Lankan delegation was led by Foreign Ministry Secretary Prasad Kariyawasam.

In a statement, the Pakistan High Commission said both Foreign Ministry Secretaries noted with satisfaction the close and friendly relations routed in history which have strengthened over the years.

“It was agreed to further consolidate the bilateral relations in all areas of mutual importance. The prospects of cooperation in trade, investment, defence, education, science and technology, culture, tourism, capacity building, immigration and sports were discussed in detail. The two sides also reviewed legal, protocol and consular affairs,” it said.

The two parties have agreed that the Joint Working Groups would oversee the implementation of agreements and Mous inked between the two countries.

“Both sides concurred to expand the ambit of the Pakistan-sri Lanka The prospects of cooperation in trade, investment, defence, education, science and technology, culture, tourism, capacity building, immigration and sports were discussed in detail Free Trade Agreement (PSFTA). Sri Lanka welcomed the extension of credit lines of US$ 200 million and US$ 10 million by Pakistan, and it was agreed to ensure their early implementation,” the statement said.

Foreign Ministry Secretary Janjua highlighted the ‘grave’ human rights violations perpetrated by the Indian occupation forces in Jammu and Kashmir against the innocent Kashmiris.

“She emphasized that the international community should urge India to immediately put an end to this situation and to ensure the early resolution of the Jammukashmir dispute, as per the UN Security Council resolutions,” the statement said.

The next round of consultations will be held in Islamabad in October, 2018.