In a joint press conference with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena on Monday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announced the signing of six memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between the two countries.
“The six agreements signed a few moments ago will intensify cooperation in the fields of disaster management, sports, shipping, cooperation in atomic energy for socio-economic development, anti-narcotics and academic cooperation. We agreed to take steps to further improve our economic and trade relations,” Sirisena said.
Moreover, an agreement signed between the two countries is expected to enhance bilateral trade up to $1 billion per annum.
The Sri Lankan premier also welcomed Pakistani investment in his country and invited the Pakistan International Airlines to re-commence flights to Sri Lanka. He said Sri Lanka appreciated the $1 million grant for the construction of houses for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) and was thankful for the $200m credit line.
President Sirisena stressed the need to enhance tourism and “people to people contact” between the two countries and said the “academic and tourism communities will undertake joint research programs on our ancient connections”.
Speaking about the states’ relationship with each other, he said, “At a critical moment in our post-independence histories, we have stood in solidarity with each other. Sri Lanka is profoundly grateful to Pakistan for the strong support we received during our fight against terrorism.”
“Pakistan and Sri Lanka’s relations spanning over six decades is characterised by the spirit of true friendship, mutual respect, understanding and excellent cooperation.”
He said the leaders of the two countries “share views on how to intensify collaboration to achieve the extraordinary relations our people deserve”.
Although Sharif voiced Pakistan’s intentions to maintain good relations with all neighbouring countries, he emphasised that ties with Sri Lanka were a special priority for Pakistan, and that the leaders shared common views on regional and international issues. He said Pakistan valued its ties with Sri Lanka and that the agreements between Islamabad and Colombo would go a long way in strengthening the relationship between the two countries.
On this occasion following MOUs/agreements were signed: MoU for Cooperation between Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission and Atomic Energy Authority of Sri Lanka, Agreement on Cooperation against Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances, Academic Cooperation Agreement on Exchange and Collaboration between National Defence University of Pakistan and Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies of Sri Lanka, MoU in the field of Sports, MoU on Mutual Cooperation in Shipping Business between Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) and the Ceylon Shipping Corporation Ltd (CSCL) and MoU for Cooperation on Disaster Management.
Moreover, PM Sharif also had a meeting with the president of Sri Lanka at the PM House on Monday. Upon arrival at the Prime Minister House, the president of Sri Lanka was given guard of honour by a smartly turned out contingent of the armed forces.
After the formal welcoming ceremony both the leaders held a one-on-one meeting which was followed by delegation level talks discussing a range of subjects.
