ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Sri Lanka have agreed on evolving a joint strategy to tackle organised networks involved in cybercrime and financial fraud.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Sri Lanka’s Minister for Home and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananda Wijepala, held in Colombo on Monday, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.
Both sides engaged in detailed discussions on strengthening collaboration in internal security, counter-terrorism, and efforts to combat drug trafficking.
The two ministers agreed to improve coordination between their respective interior ministries, with a focus on curbing illegal immigration and preventing narcotics smuggling.
Mohsin Naqvi emphasised that closer cooperation between the two ministries would pave the way for expanding bilateral relations.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have agreed to enhance bilateral security cooperation, with a focus on joint training programmes for police and paramilitary forces, during talks between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and his Sri Lankan counterpart.
During the meeting, Mohsin Naqvi offered training of Sri Lankan police officers at the National Police Academy in Islamabad.
He emphasised that exchange programmes for officers would significantly enhance the professional capacity of both nations’ forces.
He stressed the need for the two countries to strengthen collaboration in combating cybercrimes and financial crimes, identifying them as emerging challenges requiring a coordinated response.
The Pakistani Interior Minister also extended a formal invitation to his Sri Lankan counterpart to visit Pakistan at mutually convenient dates.
In a gesture of goodwill, Naqvi thanked the Sri Lankan leadership for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their visit to Colombo.
Speaking on the occasion, the Sri Lankan Minister for Home and Parliamentary Affairs expressed delight at hosting Minister Naqvi in Colombo.
He reaffirmed his country’s commitment to promoting cooperation with Pakistan in all areas of mutual interest, signalling a new chapter in bilateral security ties.
Earlier, the Interior Minister was accorded a warm welcome upon his arrival at the Sri Lankan Ministry of Home Affairs.
