Pakistan, Lanka unite against trafficking

Naqvi meets Sri Lankan defence, interior ministers

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan and Sri Lanka agreed to boost coordination to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking while also discussing joint strategies to combat cybercrimes and financial fraud networks.

This agreement was reached on Monday during a meeting between Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi and his Sri Lankan counterpart, Ananda Wijeyapala, in Colombo.

Wijeyapala warmly welcomed Naqvi as the two ministers reviewed avenues for deepening cooperation in internal security, counterterrorism and counter-narcotics.

During the talks, Naqvi offered training opportunities for Sri Lankan police officers at Pakistan's National Police Academy, noting that training exchange programmes would significantly enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies in both countries.

"Cooperation between the interior ministries will open new avenues in bilateral relations," Naqvi stated, adding that Pakistan and Sri Lanka must work closely to counter the growing challenges of cyber and financial crimes.

Mohsin Naqvi also met with Sri Lanka's Secretary of Defence Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Samantha Thuiyakontha in Colombo, where both sides reiterated their resolve to further deepen security cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting, matters related to Pakistan-Sri Lanka security collaboration and defence coordination were discussed in detail. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing joint efforts in regional peace, counterterrorism and defence preparedness.

The defence secretary noted that his country had also suffered from terrorism and acknowledged Pakistan's strong and unwavering support to the Sri Lankan government during difficult times.

"We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its consistent support in our fight against terrorism," he said.

"Security relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka have always remained strong," Naqvi said. "We are fully committed to further strengthening security cooperation with Sri Lanka."

Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman, also held key meetings with Sri Lankan Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Sunil Kumara Gamage.

In his meeting with the Sri Lankan Sports Minister, Naqvi discussed expanding bilateral collaboration for the promotion of sports, especially cricket. Both sides agreed to strengthen institutional linkages with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Sports and to work jointly for the development of cricket and other games.

With input from APP