Zardari, Jayaratne discuss Free Trade Agreement

Leaders resolve to join hands against terrorism and to build up their trade and economic relations.

COLOMBO: The leaders of Pakistan and Sri Lanka Sunday expressed resolve to join hands against terrorism and to build up their trade and economic relations.

Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Jayaratne called on President Asif Ali Zardari here on Sunday and discussed ways to further strengthen ties between the two countries with a focus on exploring new avenues of cooperation.

President Zardari who is on a four-day visit to the island nation is here to hold wide ranging talks with the Sri Lankan leaders to expand economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, that already have an operational Free Trade Agreement.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Defence Minister Ch. Ahmad Mukhtar and Chairman Board of Investment (BOI) are part of President's delegation.

President Zardari congratulated the Sri Lankan Prime Minister on defeating terrorism and apprised him of Pakistan's successes in this regard. Prime Minister Jayaratne thanked Pakistan for its moral and material support in countering terrorism.

The President and the Sri Lankan Prime Minister said both countries stand to benefit more from increased military exchanges and training at a regular pace, besides sharing of counter-terrorism measures and sharing of experiences.

They also called for consolidating cooperation in all spheres including trade, health, education and culture.

The President also highlighted the need for high level parliamentary exchanges. The Sri Lankan Prime Minister said following the revival of the parliamentary association a delegation will visit Pakistan soon.

The Sri Lankan Prime Minister said his country was keen to initiate new joint venture projects with Pakistan in several key areas and said the two private sectors can play a crucial role in this regard for the mutual good of the two peoples.

The two leaders discussed increased cooperation in financial and banking sectors. President Zardari said Pakistan values its relations with Sri Lanka and supports its territorial integrity and sovereignty. He said both the countries need to consult more frequently at multi lateral events.

The two leaders also exchanged views on preservation and promotion of the civilization heritage and increase of tourist traffic between the two countries.

Prime Minister Jayaratne appreciated the preservation and maintaining of the Buddhist heritage in Pakistan and said it would be a step forward towards building of a long lasting association between the two countries in all spheres.