Defence coop to figure high in talks during Zardari's SL visit

Nov 21, 2010 |

Colombo

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Defence and economic cooperation between the two countries will be the key subjects of discussion when Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari makes his maiden visit to Sri Lanka later this week.

Mr Zardari will be the first head of state to call on President Mahinda Rajapaksa after he was sworn in for his second term of office last Friday.

The President of the Maldives and the prime minister of Bhutan attended the swearing in ceremony.

Local newspaper reports said the Pakistani delegation will include Defence minister Ahmed Mukhtar and Foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

One of the key subjects to be discussed will be the proposed defence cooperation agreement between the two countries, the Sunday Times independent weekly said.

After China, Pakistan was the second largest supplier of military hardware to Sri Lanka and also provides training for the Sri Lankan military.

Sri Lanka also plans to re-organise the Board of Investment, country's main investment regulatory body, based on the Pakistani model.

Trade and business delegations will also be part of the official delegation to discuss economic cooperation.

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