President the Chief Guest at Pakistan Republic Day celebrations

Saturday, 24 March 2018 00:43 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahid Khaqan (right)

The Pakistan Republic Day celebrations were held in Islamabad yesterday (23) on a grand scale with President Maithripala Sirisena attending the celebrations as the Chief Guest. The President was warmly received by Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahid Khaqan Abbasi at the venue.

The President was escorted to the VVIP Pavilion where he was seated with Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the Speaker and Pakistani Tri-Forces Commanders.

The dignitaries including the Presidents of both countries observed the Tri-Forces parade, cultural pageant and airshow. Military forces from Bahrain, Jordan and United Arab Emirates joined in the airshow with the Pakistan forces. The Republic Day parade and pageant, filled with vivid cultural shows, lasted three hours.

This was followed by a speech delivered by the Pakistani President, who made special mention of the friendship shared by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He thanked Sirisena for accepting his invitation and said the people of Pakistan expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Sri Lankan President.

The premises at which the celebration was held was provided high security while the warm and dignified welcome given to Sirisena is expected to open new pathways for the Sri Lanka-Pakistani bilateral relations.

The reconstructed Buddhist International Cultural Centre in Islamabad will be reopened by President during his visit.

Bilateral discussions between President Sirisena and the Pakistani Prime Minister will be followed with the signing of four agreements between the two countries.