President assures improved trade links with Pakistan
[February 09, 2005 -3.00 GMT] 

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said that President Chandrika Kumaratunga’s visit to Pakistan would further strengthen relations between the two countries. Musharaff met his Sri Lankan counterpart for extensive discussions yesterday followed by a State Banquet at the President’s House (Aiwan-e-Sadr), Islamabad.

President Musharraf remarked that relations between Sri Lanka and date back to the great traditions of Gandhara and Taxila which have had a profound influence on Buddhist art and learning in Sri Lanka.

“Our traditional political and defence ties will now translate into robust trade relations,” he added.

In her speech, President Kumaratunga said that Sri Lanka and Pakistan have worked together in various international for a to promote shared interests and address common concerns. 

“We will break new ground, in trade and economic cooperation between our two countries,” Kumaratkunga added.

Expressing his condolences to the tsunami affected people in Sri Lanka, Musharraf noted that Sri Lanka was one of the first countries to take control of the tragic situation.

“We observe your gracious leadership in rebuilding the devastated nation,” he said.

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Last Updated Date: February 09, 2005 - 3.00 GMT