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PR. No. 279/2009

Date: 22/07/2009   

SRI LANKAN FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS FOREIGN MINISTER QURESHI

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, who is attending the 16 th ARF Ministerial meeting in Phuket, Thailand, received Mr. Rohitha Bogollagama, the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, today. The meeting took place in an extremely cordial atmosphere, which characterizes the relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Their discussion focused on bilateral matters and issues relating to SAARC and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

Both the Foreign Ministers expressed satisfaction over excellent relations between the two countries and noted that more avenues are opening for mutually beneficial collaboration, especially in the economic field after the signing of FTA. Foreign Minister Qureshi suggested involvement of services sector to make FTA more comprehensive.

The Sri Lankan Foreign Minster briefed the Foreign Minister of Pakistan on the developments relating to eliminating LTTE led terrorism. Foreign Minster Qureshi expressed the hope that Sri Lanka will be able to effectively cope with the question of rehabilitation of internally displaced people.

Both the Foreign Ministers also reviewed progress in SAARC and agreed to meet in New York on the margins of UNGA session. It was also agreed that efforts will be made for early convening of the Joint Economic Commission and bilateral political consultations.

The Sri Lankan Foreign Minister also invited the Foreign Minister to visit Colombo later this year.

Islamabad

22 July 2009