Economic Cooperation and Resolution of Disputes key for Promising future of South Asia Region: HE Shakeel Hussain

The High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Sri Lanka, Maj Gen (R) Syed Shakeel Hussain said that economic cooperation coupled with peaceful resolution of disputes will pave the way for a promising future for not just the south Asian region but also for the world at large. The High Commissioner said this while delivering his message on the occasion of the 70th Independence Day of Pakistan today in Colombo.

HE Shakeel Hussain said that the Government of Pakistan is actively engaged with all neighboring countries in an effort to create a peaceful neighborhood and at the same time intensifying economic engagement with all friendly countries.

He underlined that Pakistan is entering into a new era of development, prosperity, peace and political stability as the Government and people are unanimous in their resolve to make Pakistan truly democratic, welfare and prosperous state.

On Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations, he explained that historical and cultural links between our two peoples date back to the time when the Indus Valley and Gandhara Civilizations prospered in what is now Pakistan. He further said that Pakistan and Sri Lankan are continuing to nurture their mutually beneficial relations in diverse fields. He added that both countries are exploring ways to broaden and deepen the economic ties, through enhancement of trade and bilateral investments, within the framework of the Free Trade Agreement as our top most priority.

The High Commissioner highlighted that the state visit of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to Sri Lanka in January 2016, is a testimony to the fact that both countries attach great importance to this mutually beneficial relationship. He elaborated that during the visit both sides agreed to expand cooperation in the areas like higher education, industrial development, shipping, disaster management, peaceful use of nuclear technology and exchange of expertise in various areas of mutual interests. The leadership’s decisions are being followed up vigorously with exchange of high level delegations, he added.

The Chief Justice of the Islamic Republic Pakistan Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali who is currently visiting Sri Lanka, was the chief guest on the occasion.

While speaking on the occasion, the Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Sri Lanka, in both bilateral and regional context. Justice Jamali said there is a strong desire in Pakistan to further develop and promote the bilateral relationship between the two friendly countries.

He also commended the government of Sri Lanka for taking admirable initiatives to promote interfaith harmony, reconciliation and national unity between all the segments of society.

The High Commissioner also hoisted the national flag of Pakistan and jointly cut Independence Day Cake along with the Chief guest and Children. Later, the messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan were read out to the participants.

The Flag hoisting ceremony was attended by a large number of participants from various walks of life including members of the Sri Lanka Pakistan Friendship Trade and Investment Association, Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Council, prominent Sri Lankan personalities, Pakistani community, High Commission officials and wide section of media.

The video of first ever tri lingual Pakistan Sri Lanka friendship anthem produced by the high commission of Pakistan colombo was also launched by the Chief Guest Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali and High Commissioner Maj Gen (R) Syed Shakeel Hussain.