Imran Khan telephones Gotabaya; extends invitation to visit Pakistan

Prime Minister Imran Khan telephoned the newly-elected Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to congratulate him on his election.

The Prime Minister said that the election reflected the trust reposed by the Sri Lankan people in the leadership and vision of President Rajapaksa. The Prime Minister hoped that the country and its people would achieve greater success and prosperity under President Rajapaksa’s stewardship. 

The strong Pakistan-Sri Lanka bilateral relations were also discussed. The two leaders reciprocated each other’s desire to further fortify bilateral cooperation in diverse areas.

The Prime Minister extended an invitation to President Rajapaksa to visit Pakistan at his earliest convenience, which President Rajapaksa accepted.

Earlier on Monday Khan tweeted “Congratulations to Gotabaya Rajapaksa on victory in Sri Lankan Presidential elections. Pakistan looks forward to working closely with him & with Sri Lanka, for further deepening & broadening our brotherly ties & close cooperation for peace, progress and prosperity of our people.” 

Rajapaksha replied, “I thank PM @ImranKhanPTI and people of Pakistan for your warm wishes. I look forward to further enhancing the already warm relations with Pakistan & will endeavour to encourage peaceful and harmonious coexistence and economic progress in the SAARC region,” highlighting the close friendship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.