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Relations between Pakistan and Lanka serve as a beacon to countries in the region
View(s):The Pakistan High Commissioner in Sri Lanka, Maj Gen (R) Syed Shakeel Hussain said that the brotherly and time-tested relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka that has depth, breadth and diversity, serves as a beacon for other countries of South Asia.
Pakistan High Commissioner Maj Gen (R) Syed Shakeel Hussain hoists the country's national flag. Pic by Indika Handuwala
Addressing the occasion of the 69th Independence Day of Pakistan on Friday, High Commissioner Hussain said that the Government of Pakistan was actively engaged with all neighbouring countries to create a peaceful region and at the same time intensifying economic engagement with all friendly countries.
“We are celebrating our 69th Independence Day at a time when our country is entering into a new era of development, prosperity, peace and political stability as the Government and people of Pakistan are unanimous in their resolve to make Pakistan a truly democratic and prosperous state,” he said.
Touching on relations between the two countries the High Commissioner said that historical and cultural links between the two countries date back to the time when the Indus Valley and Gandhara Civilizations prospered in what is now Pakistan. He further said that Pakistan and Sri Lankan are continuing to nurture their mutually beneficial relations in diverse fields. He added that both countries are exploring ways to broaden and deepen the economic ties, through enhancement of trade and bilateral investments, within the framework of the Free Trade Agreement .
He emphasized that President Maithripala Sirisena’s state visit to Pakistan in April this year, was a testimony to the fact that both countries attach great importance to this mutually beneficial relationship. He elaborated that during the visit both sides agreed to expand cooperation in areas such as higher education, industrial development, shipping, disaster management, peaceful use of nuclear technology and continue to exchange expertise in various areas of mutual interests.
High Commissioner Hussain said that Pakistan and Sri Lankan face significant challenges, at the same time they have tremendous opportunities. “This mutuality provides a wide canvas for both countries to help and support each other, in order to jointly overcome challenges and maximize opportunities,”