“I have reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka”, said Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Khursid M Kasuri addressing a joint press conference together with Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama following bilateral talks in Islamabad today, during the first official visit to Islamabad by the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, since his assumption of office two weeks ago. Minister Bogollagama appreciated the consistent support Sri Lanka received from Pakistan and stressed the importance of extending the existing bilateral relationship to new areas of cooperation to bring prosperity to the people of the two countries. 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Pakistan Khurshid M Kasuri greeting the Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama when they met in Islamabad on Friday 16th.

The two Ministers discussed a range of matters of mutual interest, including in the political, economic, cultural and educational spheres. They expressed of appreciation of and appreciated the enhancement of bilateral trade, following the signing of the Free Trade Agreement in 2005.  The two Ministers agreed that increased aviation and sea links should be further enhanced to realize the full potential of the existing bilateral trade mechanisms.  In this respect, the two Ministers decided to have the next round of bilateral Air Negotiations convened as early as possible.

Foreign Minister Rihitha Bogollagama and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Kurshid M Kazuri addressing the Media after the Bilateral discussions in Islamabad on Friday 15th

Focusing on the importance of expanding the people-to-people contact and following the MoU on tourism signed in 2006 during the state visit to Pakistan by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the two delegations appreciated the necessity to develop the tourism sector, focusing on mutual cultural interests.  In this connection Pakistani Foreign Minister Kasuri informed the Sri Lankan delegation that the year 2007 has been named as “Visit Pakistan Year” and a special cultural event linked to Buddhism will take place in November to promote the Buddhist culture. He extended an invitation to Sri Lanka to participate in this “Gandhara Week”.  Foreign Minister Bogollagama accepted the invitation and said that Sri Lanka will only be too happy to participate in such a Buddhist cultural event. 

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama in discussion with the Foreign Minister of Pakistan Khurshid M Kasuri also in the picture are Dr. W.B.Dorakumbura Sri Lanka High Commissioner ,Dr Palitha Kohona Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs are also in the picture

Minister Bogollagama also expressed the desirability of promoting joint Buddhist cultural tourism by Pakistan and Sri Lanka to attract Buddhists in other countries through air travel  including destinations of Buddhist cultural interest of the two countries. Minister Kasuri acknowledged the proposal and observed that Pakistan could gain substantially from the expertise and experience of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry.  Minister Bogollama offered Pakistan opportunities of training in the hospitality area which the Pakistan Foreign Minister graciously accepted. 

Foreign Minister Bogollagama was assisted by Foreign Secretary Dr. Palitha Kohona, Sri Lanka High Commissioner in Islamabad, Dr. W.B. Dorakumbure, Additional Secretary Foreign Affairs Mrs. Geetha de Silva and senior officials.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
16th February 2007