Pakistan's PM arriving Sri Lankan capital Tomorrow
Pakistan Times Foreign Desk

COLOMBO (Sri Lanka): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will arrive Colombo tomorrow, Sunday on a two-day visit in his capacity as Chairman of South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

It is a SAARC tradition that the Chairman makes farewell calls to SAARC capitals before the next summit.

The visit will give an opportunity to the Prime Minister to discuss with Sri Lankan leadership his vision for revitalization of SAARC, regional security situation and ways and means to enhance bilateral relations with Sri Lanka.

Perspective

The fact that Sri Lanka has always played important role in pushing the SAARC process forward adds further importance to Shaukat's visit.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy very cordial and friendly relations based on mutual cooperation and commonality of interests.

The two countries closely interact in the fields of culture, education and sports.

Of Trade

The two-way trade between Pakistan- Sri Lanka during 2003-2004 was US$ 146.24 million as both the countries are currently negotiating Free Trade Agreement that would lead to more business opportunities for traders of the two countries.

Ministers of Petroleum, Railways, Water and Power, Ministers of State for Culture, Sports & Youth Affairs, Foreign Affairs and Overseas Pakistanis and some Members of the Parliament will be accompanying the Prime Minister.

Reception

Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapakse will receive the Prime Minister on his arrival at Bandranaike airport and escort him to the guard of honour to be presented by a contingent of Sri Lankan Navy.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will call on President Chandrika Bandranaike Kumaratunga and meet Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse.

Topics of Talks

The leaders will review the whole gamut of bilateral relations besides exchanging views on regional and international issues.

They will also focus on enhancing trade to further cement the bilateral ties and fulfil the aspirations of the people.

Prime Minister of Sri Lanka will also host a banquet in honour of the Prime Minister and members of his delegation.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will address a cross section of Sri Lankan society on Monday to share his views on regional and global issues. He will leave for Maldives later in the afternoon.●