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Pakistan reaffirmed its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka and also towards the on going peace process in the country. President Mahinda Rajapakse and Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf agreed to combat terrorism which is the great challenge of the times as both Pakistan and Sri Lanka have been victims of terrorism.

They expressed the resolve to combat extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations for the preservation of shared values and principles in the interest of peace and progress of their societies.

Issuing a joint statement at the conclusion of the three day official visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse to Pakistan the two leaders outlined the need to further strengthen SAARC, while expressing satisfaction on the ratification of SAFTA by all member States of SAARC.

Following is the full text of the joint statement issued by the two leaders from Islamabad. His Excellency Mahinda Rajapakse, President of Sri Lanka accompanied by Madam Shiranthi Rajapakse, seven Ministers and two Deputy Ministers paid a State visit to Pakistan from March 31-April 2, 2006, at the invitation of the President of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf.

President Mahinda Rajapakse called on President General Pervez Musharraf and held official talks at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. President Rajapakse also met Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.

The two sides exchanged views on a range of bilateral, regional and international issues. They reaffirmed their commitment to the promotion of peace, stability, economic development and social progress and agreed to intensify cooperation and consultations on bilateral, regional and global issues by maintaining regular high level contacts. They expressed their determination to address poverty, illiteracy and unemployment issues.

Pakistan reaffirmed its support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka and for the ongoing peace process in the country. The two sides agreed to make every effort to further strengthen their multifaceted and multi-sectoral cooperation in the fields of education, culture, commerce & trade, science and technology, defence and tourism for the common benefit of the two countries, based on the tradition of friendly relations which has always existed between them.

The Pakistan side briefed about the ongoing Composite Dialogue process with India aimed at resolving all outstanding issues between the two countries.

The Sri Lankan President shared his assessment of the ongoing peace process in Sri Lanka. The leaders agreed that combating terrorism is the great challenge of our times. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka have been victims of terrorism. They expressed their resolve to combat extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations for the preservation of shared values and principles and in the interest of peace and progress of their societies.

The bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA), covers Trade in Goods as well as Trade in Services. The initiative relating to Trade in Goods has been implemented.

It was agreed to identify specific services sectors and initiate negotiations for Trade in Services. Two sides also decided to have an agreement on Customs Co-operation by the end of 2006 to facilitate trade.

The Pakistan side welcomed Sri Lanka's offer of a credit facility of US $ 10 million for the Pakistan business sector to facilitate the import of products from Sri Lanka.

It was further decided that the investment authorities of both sides would start consultations to work out modalities for direct private sector cooperation and identify sectors with high investment potential and the promotion of joint ventures in such sectors. In this regard, Pakistan welcomed Sri Lanka's proposal to set up a dedicated GSP Plus investment zone.

Both sides emphasized the need for greater collaboration in the tourism sector which would enhance greater people to people contact with particular emphasis on religious tourism. In accordance with the MoU signed during the visit, the two sides agreed to work towards doubling the tourist traffic between the two countries by the year 2010.

The two sides recognised the importance of enhancing the air connectivity between the two countries in order to utilise the full benefits under the FTA and the tourist potential. It was agreed that the Aviation Authorities of the two countries would discuss the liberalization of the air services regime.

The recommencement of a regular feeder shipping service between Colombo and Karachi was also identified as a further measure to be pursued in facilitating greater trade between the two countries. A donation of 500 MT of Rice was made for the benefit of those affected by October 2005 earthquake in Pakistan.

With a view to further strengthening bilateral cooperation, Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding in the fields of education, tourism and cultural cooperation were concluded. The exchange of instruments of ratification to bring the Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal matters into force also took place during the visit. This agreement will facilitate investigation and prosecution of serious crimes.

The two sides agreed to further strengthen SAARC and expressed satisfaction on the ratification of SAFTA by all member States of SAARC. They shared the view that this development will augur well for the social and economic amelioration of the peoples in the region.

Chairman of the Pakistan Senate, Senior Minister of Defence and Minister of Foreign Affairs called on the Sri Lankan President.

Wide ranging discussions in areas of mutual interest were held between the two sides. President Rajapakse met the Members of the Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry in Islamabad. Pakistan business persons were invited to invest in Sri Lanka. He would also be addressing a forum of Pakistan and Sri Lankan business leaders in Karachi on April 2, 2006.

The two sides reaffirmed the importance of close relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka and expressed their conviction that President Rajapakse's successful State visit to Pakistan will further strengthen the friendly relations and close partnership between the two nations. The two leaders decided to remain in close contact with each other.

President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz accepted with pleasure the invitation extended by President Mahinda Rajapakse to visit Sri Lanka at mutually convenient dates.

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