Sri Lanka, Pakistan to work closely in regional, global context

Monday, 23 December 2013 01:33 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka and Pakistan have agreed that the two countries need to work closely in the regional and global context and to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries. The two friendly neighbors agreed to support each other in regional and global matters that are of interest to them during a courtesy call by the Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Colombo, the national news agency of Pakistan reported.

The Pakistani Speaker, who arrived in Sri Lanka Thursday on a two-day official visit, commended the Sri Lankan Government’s efforts in defeating terrorism in the island and said the two countries are historically bonded in a relationship of trust, mutual respect and deep friendship which is manifest at all the phases of their histories. He said the meeting between the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Sri Lankan President has given a boost to the bilateral relations between the two countries. President Mahinda Rajapaksa expressing his appreciation for the support given by Pakistan during the war against the terrorism has said that Pakistan’s “unflinching support during the three decade internal conflict has immensely helped in the elimination of terrorism from Sri Lanka”. Sri Lanka would not have eliminated the scourge of terrorism without the help and support of Pakistan, the President has said, adding that Pakistan has proved to be a true friend of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan government as well as public has deep affection for Pakistan. President Rajapaksa has also welcomed Pakistani investment in sugar sector of Sri Lanka and reiterated his Government’s full support in this regard. During the meeting, the Pakistani Speaker conveyed the appreciation of the Pakistani Government for the hospitality extended by the people and Government of Sri Lanka towards the Pakistani delegation. He has also commended the arrangements made by the Sri Lankan Government for successfully organising the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). The Pakistani Speaker on Friday visited Parliament and witnessed the proceedings. He also conducted a friendly discussion with his Sri Lankan counterpart Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa in Parliament. The visiting Speaker also held a meeting with members of the Sri Lanka-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Association and attended a luncheon hosted by the Association in his honour.