By IANS,
Islamabad : Pakistan has sought stronger economic ties with Sri Lanka so as to enhance trade between the two countries.
President Asif Ali Zardari Tuesday said Pakistan values its ties with Sri Lanka which are based on mutual trust and shared interests in maintaining regional peace, security and stability, reported Associated Press of Pakistan.
Talking to Sri Lanka’s Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal W.D.R.M.J. Goonetilleke, Zardari said Pakistan and Sri Lanka need to forge a partnership to further strengthen the existing relationship.
Expressing satisfaction over security cooperation between the two countries, the president said the challenge for the two countries was to translate their equation into economic terms for the benefit of the people.
Zardari said there was a need to increase the synergies of the economies of two countries and reinforce the institutional framework for enhancing trade between the two countries.
He said the two countries need to join hands to make the region a hub of economic prosperity and social development.
The president said Pakistan offered great opportunities for Sri Lanka to benefit in various fields such as light engineering, fresh fruits and vegetables, processed goods, textiles, cement, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals.