By Kelum Bandara 

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa who called Pakistan a close and genuine friend said he discussed with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan about the enhancement of bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade and other areas such as defence, science and technology. 

Making remarks to the media at the joint press conference, he said there was agreement to pursue the opportunities available within the framework of Free Trade Agreement (FTA).  “We discussed important international and regional issues as well as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. We further agreed on increasing activities through tourism and aviation sectors, “he said. 

He also thanked Pakistan for opening up the corridor for Sri Lankan pilgrims to visit the ancient, Buddhist sites there. 

“Sri Lanka believes political stability and regional peace as the key to sustainable development, economic growth and prosperity in South Asia,” he said. 
He said Sri Lanka and Pakistan would continue to fight terrorism, religious extremism and fundamentalism.