Pakistan, Sri Lanka explore new avenues of bilateral collaboration

Two countries have enjoyed cordial relations based on trust, mutual respect and close cooperation, says FO

Pakistan and Sri Lanka explored new avenues of bilateral collaboration and exchanged views for strengthening existing mechanisms of cooperation, a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFa). said.

The sixth round of Foreign Secretary-level Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was held virtually on Wednesday.

The Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood led the Pakistan side while the Sri Lankan delegation was headed by the Foreign Secretary Admiral (Prof.) Jayanath Colombage.

During the BPC, the two sides discussed the whole gamut of Pakistan-Sri Lanka bilateral relations including cooperation in the political, economic, defence, trade and investment, culture and education fields as well as people-to-people exchanges.

The statement said that ever since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1948, Islamabad and Colombo have enjoyed cordial relations based on trust, mutual respect and close cooperation.

The foreign secretary underscored the exceptional quality of bilateral political relations and rapport at the leadership level.

Sohail Mahmood underlined that the bilateral trade and economic ties must also be made commensurate with excellent political relations.

Exchange of views also covered the impact of Covid-19 at the national and global level and the measures to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on the lives and livelihoods of the people.

The foreign secretary briefed the Sri Lankan Counterpart about Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ‘Global Initiative on Debt Relief’ for the developing countries.

The foreign secretary shared Pakistan’s perspective on the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the progress of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and Pakistan’s positive contribution to the Afghan peace process.

Mahmood also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to Saarc and expressed the hope that the process of regional cooperation would be allowed to move forward.