Foreign Minister briefed on Afghanistan situation during talks with Pakistan envoy

COLOMBO: The Pakistan High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Major General Muhammad Saad Khattak (Retd.) called on the new Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris recently at the Foreign Ministry and discussed further scope for enhancing trade and investment opportunities between both countries.

They also discussed the free trade agreement as well as joint initiatives aimed at promotion of investments.

Foreign Minister Peiris appreciated the training opportunities provided by the Pakistan government for the Sri Lanka defense forces and scholarships for Sri Lankan students for their higher studies.

They also explored a wide range of areas of mutual interest in which the existing longstanding ties between the two countries could be diversified into new projects advancing joint collaboration.

Having congratulated Foreign Minister Peiris on his appointment, the Pakistan High Commissioner briefed him on the situation in Afghanistan.

He emphasized that the Taliban has assured the safety of foreign nationals in Afghanistan and has also made a pledge that rights of women and children would be protected.

Foreign Minister Peiris informed High Commissioner Khattak that Sri Lanka is closely monitoring the development in Afghanistan and making arrangements in coordination with other friendly nations and international organizations to evacuate Sri Lankans from that country.