Islamabad: 24th April, 2012
Chairman Senate Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari has said that we cherish our deep and meaningful relations with Sri Lanka which are based on mutual trust and shared interests in maintaining regional peace, security and stability. Pakistan and Sri Lanka must actively engage further to enhance cooperation in all fields for progress of their people and rising together as regional partners. He was expressing these views in a meeting with Sri Lankan High Commissioner Air Chief Marshal Yayalth Weerakkody.
The Chairman emphasized the need for increased people to people contacts particularly exchange of Parliamentary delegations, business community, cultural troupe can generate such a momentum which can resulting in cementing our bonds of friendship to great extent.
The Sri Lankan High Commissioner talking on the occasion said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy cordial and deep rooted ties and we are grateful for Pakistan’s assistance and support in our difficult times. He also stressed the need for activating Pak-Sri Lankan Parliamentary friendship group in order to boost relations between Parliamentarians of both the countries and for learning from each other’s experiences.
Talking about trade between the two countries he said that there exists immense potential which needs to be fully explored and exploited. Pakistan and Sri Lanka have free trade agreement though but its benefits in real terms need to be reaped.
The Chairman Bokhari reaffirmed his commitment for active liaison of Parliamentarians by further activating Pak-Sri Lanka friendship group. Talking about role of Senate, he told the Sri Lankan High Commissioner “This is the house that represents the federation itself without any disparity and is playing very crucial role in legislative business, budgetary recommendations and Parliamentary oversight and accountability via its standing committees”.
Bokhari expressed his satisfaction that bilateral trade is touching US $ 400 million but it should be further enhanced. He told the Sri Lankan High Commissioner that Pakistan can export wheat, rice, poultry and meat along with textile and other processed goods to other countries including Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan High Commissioner appreciated Pakistan’s assistance in defence fields and offered help in curbing menace of terrorism from this region though it differs from what Sri Lanka had experienced.
The Chairman told the High Commissioner that Pakistan attaches great importance to the preservation of Gandhara heritage and Buddist relics and sights, are standing tribute to the shared past of our two nations. He emphasized the need for cultural exchanges and cricket diplomacy for connecting the people of two friendly countries.
At the end, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner invited the Chairman to visit Sri Lanka.
Press Release
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