ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain and his Sri Lankan counterpart Maithripala Sirisena Saturday agreed to work together for regional peace, bilateral cooperation and enhancement of the role of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
During their meeting at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, both sides agreed that they would continue their close cooperation for the regional stability, development and prosperity of the people.
During the meeting, President Mamnoon Hussain welcomed the visiting dignitary and said his participation in the Pakistan Day ceremony reflected the close ties between the two countries.
Sri Lankan president expressed his gratitude and said it was a matter of pleasure for him and an honour for the Sri Lankan people. He said they considered Pakistan as their real brother and close friend.
President Mamnoon Hussain stressed the need to increase 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 the menace. 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.
President Sirisena later left for home after concluding his three-day visit to Pakistan. At the Nur Khan Airbase, he was seen off by President Mamnoon Hussain. Minister in waiting Abdul Qadir Baloch and other high officials were also present on the occasion.
Published in Daily Times, March 25th 2018.
