ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Foreign Office on Saturday said the Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena’s visit to Pakistan further cemented the good will between the two Countries and provided renewed impetus to strength bilateral cooperation.
In a statement following the culmination of Maithripala Sirisena’s three-day visit to Pakistan from March 22-24, the Foreign Office Spokesman Dr Muhammad Faisal said during the visit, the Sri Lankan president held a meeting with his Pakistani Counterpart Mamnoon Hussain, in which the entire spectrum of bilateral relations was discussed in detail.
During his visit, the Sri Lankan president also witnessed Pakistan Day Parade held at Shakarparian Parade Ground on Friday as the guest of honour.
Mamnoon Hussain thanked the Sri Lankan president for accepting his invitation to visit Pakistan. He said Maithripala Sirisena’s participation in celebration of 23rd March reflects the importance that both countries attached to Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations.
Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also held a meeting with the visiting Sri Lankan president, and briefed him on issues of regional and international importance.
It was agreed to further diversify and enhance relations especially in the realm of trade and people to people contacts.
The Sri Lankan president appreciated the support and assistance extended by Pakistan to his Country during the difficult times.
The prime minister said Pakistan was committed to the SAARC process, and urged the Sri Lankan president to play his role for early convening of the SAARC Summit in Islamabad.
Khaqan Abbasi also briefed Maithripala Sirisena bout the continuing atrocities being committed by the Indian army in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir against innocent Kashmiris.
The Sri Lankan president presented 20 corneas (10 corneas each) to President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi who appreciated the generous donation for the people of Pakistan.
Three MoUs were signed during the visit to further strengthen Pakistan-Sri Lanka bilateral cooperation for capacity building of diplomats, Public Policy research and training of civil servants.
