Bandula, Tharaka call on Pakistan PM Imran Khan; focus on maximising FTA

Trade Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardane and State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya yesterday paid a courtesy call on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during their ongoing visit.

Dr. Gunawardane and Balasuriya, along with a Sri Lankan business delegation, are currently visiting Pakistan from 20-27 January.

Fondly recalling his visit to Sri Lanka in February 2021, the Prime Minister Khan reaffirmed the strong fraternal relations that exists between the two countries. Stressing on the importance of regular high-level exchanges in strengthening bilateral cooperation, the Prime Minister appreciated the initiative of Dr. Gunawardane to visit Pakistan along with a business delegation. The Prime Minister emphasised that all efforts must also be made to increase bilateral trade relations through making optimal use of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka FTA.

Referring to the strong cultural bond between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister invited the attention of the visiting delegation on the rich Buddhist heritage of Pakistan and expressed hope that more Sri Lankans will come to the country for religious tourism.

Dr. Gunawardane thanked the Prime Minister for extending warm hospitality and goodwill towards Sri Lanka. He expressed keen desire to expand cooperation with Pakistan in diverse areas of trade, ICT, pharmaceuticals, minerals, textiles, education, defence, tourism, human resource development through B2B contacts, joint ventures, investments in high potential sectors and technology transfers etc.