FTA will not affect SAFTA – Pakistani PM
[February 09, 2005 -6.15 GMT] 

President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz held wide-ranging talks at the Premier’s official residence in Islamabad yesterday.

The talks focused on the Free Trade Agreement, bilateral and regional issues and mutual cooperation in a variety of fields.

Meeting the press soon after, the Pakistani Premier described the talks with the Sri Lankan leader as constructive and said they have held intensive and detailed discussions to further strengthen bilateral ties.

He said, while special emphasis was laid on enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries, Pakistan also emphasized the need for the private sector to be involved.

The Joint economic Commission of both countries will meet in Colombo in April this year with the hope of giving a fresh impetus to the ties.

Prime Minister Aziz said that the FTA to be signed between the two countries will not affect SAFTA, rather, it will help expand bilateral ties between the two countries and promote bilateralism in South Asia.

As the Premier gives top priority to education, it was decided in the meeting that both the countries will cooperate in the field of education and a Pakistani delegation will visit Sri Lanka shortly to study their education system.

“Pakistan will also consider hiring the services of education experts from Sri Lanka to develop the education system,” Aziz said.

Shaukat Aziz briefed the Lankan President about the structural reforms in Pakistan and offered to collaborate with Sri Lanka and share its experience to improve the Sri Lankan economy.

President Kumaratunga thanked him for the defence collaboration from Pakistan and said she hoped this cooperation would continue in the future.

The two leaders further discussed the postponement of SAARC and the efforts that should be made by member nations to rejuvenate SAARC. The peace process in Sri Lanka was also among the topics of discussion.

Prime Minister Aziz assured continued assistance of his country to Sri Lanka in her rebuilding process from the damages caused by the December 26 tsunami.

“Pakistan will also rebuild two mosques in Sri Lanka which were damaged by the recent tsunami,” he said.

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Last Updated Date: February 09, 2005 - 6.15 GMT