Colombo: Pakistan and Sri Lanka have reached an agreement to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including counter-terrorism and narcotics control. This understanding was achieved during a meeting between Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Sri Lankan Minister for Home and Parliamentary Affairs Ananda Wijepala in Colombo.
According to Radio Pakistan, the two sides engaged in in-depth discussions focused on increasing cooperation in internal security, counter-terrorism, and narcotics control. The discussions also addressed the development of a joint strategy to combat mafia activities involved in cybercrimes and financial fraud. Both parties agreed to enhance mutual coordination between their Interior Ministries to curb illegal immigration and narcotics smuggling.
Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that cooperation between the interior ministries of both countries would pave the way for new avenues of relations. The meeting also included discussions on joint training programs for police and paramilitary forces. Naqvi offered training for Sri Lankan police officers at Pakistan's National Police Academy in Islamabad, highlighting that such training exchange programs would enhance the capabilities of the forces in both nations.
Additionally, Naqvi stressed the importance of collaboration in preventing cybercrimes and financial crimes. He extended an invitation to his Sri Lankan counterpart to visit Pakistan at a convenient time and expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to him during his visit to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka's Minister for Home and Parliamentary Affairs expressed delight at the presence of the Pakistani Interior Minister in Colombo and reiterated the commitment to promoting cooperation with Pakistan in areas of mutual interest. The meeting was attended by Pakistan's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Major General (Retd) Fahim-ul-Aziz, and other relevant officials.
Earlier, the Interior Minister received a warm welcome upon his arrival at the Sri Lankan Ministry of Home Affairs.