FOREIGN MINISTER'S LETTERS TO HIS MALAYSIAN AND SRI LANKAN COUNTERPARTS

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi has addressed letters to the Foreign Minister of Malaysia, who Chairs the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), and the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka thanking them for their role in restoration of Pakistan 's membership to the Councils of Commonwealth. Following are the excerpts from the letters:

Excerpts from the letter to Malaysian Foreign Minister H. E. Dr. Rais Yatim

“On behalf of the Government and on my own behalf I wish to express our profound gratitude to you for taking out time to visit Pakistan and the consequent contribution that your positive and objective assessment made towards Pakistan 's re-entry into the comity of Commonwealth nations. Through you I also wish to convey our deep appreciation and thanks to the other members of the CMAG.

“The Government of Pakistan will resume its full participation in the Commonwealth activities and work towards attainment of common goals.

“ Pakistan and Malaysia relations are marked by fraternity, cordiality, understanding and support to each other on various issues of common interest. I look forward to working with you for further promoting our comprehensive cooperation.”

Excerpts from the letter to Sri Lankan Foreign Minister

H. E. Mr. Rohitha Bogollagama

“On behalf of the government and on my own behalf I wish to express our profound gratitude to you for your persistent efforts and the Government of Sri Lanka's support that greatly helped towards the restoration of Pakistan 's membership in the Commonwealth Councils.

“ Pakistan and Sri Lanka relations are marked by fraternity, cordiality, understanding and support to each other on diverse issues of common concern. I look forward to working with you to further strengthening bilateral relations and close coordination in multilateral fora.”

Islamabad

13 May, 2008