Pakistan and Sri Lanka have agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest including counter-terrorism and narcotics control.
The understanding to this effect was reached during a meeting between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Sri Lankan Minister for Home and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala in Colombo today.
The two sides held in-depth discussions on increasing cooperation regarding internal security, counter-terrorism and narcotics control.
The discussions also focused on evolving a joint strategy against mafia involved in cybercrimes and financial fraud. The two sides also agreed to enhance mutual coordination between Interior Ministries of both the countries and to prevent Illegal Immigration and against narcotics smuggling.
Mohsin Naqvi said cooperation between the interior ministries of the two countries will open new avenues of relations.
The Interior Minister and his Sri Lankan counterpart held discussion on joint training programs of police and paramilitary forces. Mohsin Naqvi offered training of Sri Lankan police officers at National Police Academy in Islamabad. He said training exchange programs for officers will enhance the capacity of the forces of both countries.
He said Pakistan and Sri Lanka need to enhance cooperation to prevent cybercrimes and financial crimes.
Mohsin Naqvi invited his Sri Lankan counterpart to visit Pakistan at the convenient dates. He thanked Sri Lankan counterpart for extending warm hospitality during his visit to in Sri Lanka.
Speaking on the occasion, the Sri Lankan Minister for Home and Parliamentary Affairs said we are delighted to have the Pakistani Interior Minister in Colombo. He also expressed the resolve to promote cooperation with Pakistan in areas of mutual interest.
Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Fahim-ul-Aziz and other relevant officials were also present in the meeting.
Earlier, the Interior Minister was accorded a warm welcome at his arrival at the Sri Lankan Ministry of Home Affairs.
