The tenth round of talks between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will commence in Islamabad on Monday. The neighbouring countries will look to enhance mutual trade and will review implementation of a free trade agreement. State minister for Foreign Affairs and Economic Affairs Division (EAD) Hina Rabani Khar will represent Pakistan, while Rishad Bathiudeen will represent Srilanka. “Results and weaknesses of a free trade agreement (FTA) will be discussed.
Leaders of the two countries will also talk on ways to bolster cooperation in areas of defense, textile, industry, education, culture, telecom and other sectors,” said an EAD official. Volume of trade between Pakistan and Srilanka stands at $346 million. President Zardari held extensive talks on bilateral, regional and global issues with his Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapakse during his visit to Sri Lanka.