Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi held a series of meetings in Colombo during his official visit to Sri Lanka, focusing on internal security, counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics cooperation.
According to details surfaced on Monday, in a meeting with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ananda Wijepala, discussions were held on enhancing mutual assistance in internal security and strengthening coordination between the two interior ministries.
Both sides agreed to increase cooperation to combat cybercrime and financial fraud mafias through a joint strategy.
The two leaders also decided to improve coordination to curb illegal immigration and narcotics trafficking. Naqvi extended an invitation to his counterpart to visit Pakistan.
The Interior Minister offered training facilities at the National Police Academy for officers of the Sri Lankan Police. He said exchange programmes for officers would enhance the professional capacity of the forces of both countries.
Naqvi also held a separate meeting with Sri Lanka’s Secretary Defence Sampath Thuyacontha. Both sides reaffirmed their resolve to promote Pakistan-Sri Lanka security cooperation. The Sri Lankan defence secretary said Pakistan had extended full support to the Sri Lankan government in the fight against terrorism and expressed gratitude in this regard.
Naqvi said Pakistan remained committed to further strengthen the security cooperation with Sri Lanka.
In another meeting, Naqvi met Sri Lankan Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Sunil Kumara Gamage. The two sides discussed expanding cooperation in sports, particularly cricket, and agreed to enhance collaboration with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Sports.
Naqvi said cricket and other sports would further strengthen bilateral relations. He also praised the arrangements made during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup and invited the Sri Lankan sports minister to visit Pakistan.
