Pakistan-Sri Lanka agree to cement bilateral ties, cooperation

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain and his Sri Lankan counterpart Maithripala Sirisena Saturday agreed to work together for the regional peace, bilateral cooperation and enhancement of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) role.

During their meeting at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, both sides agreed that they would continue their close cooperation for the regional peace, stability, development and prosperity of the people, a press release said. Both sides stressed upon further enhancement of SAARC role by making it more effective.

The presidents held a brief one-on-one meeting and later on, joined by delegations from both sides.

During the meeting, President Mamnoon Hussain welcomed the visiting dignitary and said his participation during the Pakistan Day ceremony reflected the close ties between the two countries.

Sri Lankan president also expressed his gratitude and said it was a matter of pleasure for him and an honor for the Sri Lankan people.

He said they considered Pakistan as their real brother and close friend.

President Mamnoon Hussain proposed for working together to increase bilateral trade between  the two countries to which his Sri Lankan counterpart agreed.

The president also underlined the need to boost air and maritime linkages so that the cooperation  in business and industry besides, other sectors, could be strengthened.

President Sirisena expressed his satisfaction over the increasing cooperation in different sectors  including defence  and expressed the confidence that it would witness further boost in future.

He reiterated his country’s support to Pakistan in its efforts against terrorism and expressed his  satisfaction over the achievements against it.

He also thanked the president for extending academic and training scholarships to Sri Lankan  students and officers.

The meeting was also attended by Sri Lankan minister Wasantha Senanayake, minister for rehabilitation  MLAM Hizbullah, members of parliament from Sri Lanka Syed Ali Zahir Moulana, Abdullah Maroof and SM  Marikkar and minister for SAFRON Abdul Qadir Baloch, foreign secretary and other high officials.

Earlier, upon his arrival at the Aiwan e Sadr, the Sri Lankan president was received by President Mamnoon  Hussain. Children clad in traditional dress, presented bouquets to the visiting dignitary.