Reception on board PMSS ‘Kashmir’

Thursday, 16 August 2018 00:44 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Chief Guest Petroleum Resources Development Minister Arjuna Ranatunga, Sri Lanka Navy Commander Vice Admiral S.S. Ranasinghe, Acting Pakistani High Commissioner Janbaz Khan, PMSS Kashmir Mission Commander Captain Azhar Mahmood and Pakistani Defence Advisor Colonel Sajjad Ali jointly cutting the cake

A dignified reception on board Pakistan Maritime Security Ship (PMSS) ‘Kashmir’ was held on 14 August at the Port of Colombo. The event coincided with the Independence Day of Pakistan.

Petroleum Resources Development Minister Arjuna Ranatunga was the Chief Guest on the occasion. The reception was attended by Sri Lanka Navy Commander Vice Admiral S.S. Ranasinghe, Officers of Sri Lanka tri-services, diplomats, officers of the High Commission of Pakistan, people from different spheres of life, and representatives of media.

While welcoming the guests, the PMSS Kashmir Mission Commander Captain Azhar Mahmood said the visit is a manifestation of the strong diplomatic and defence relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and aimed at further strengthening these existing bonds. He thanked the Sri Lankan authorities for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to them during their stay.

Chief Guest Minister Ranatunga, in his remarks, enlightened the gathering that it is a proud moment for him that his close friend Imran Khan is going to be the new Prime Minister of Pakistan. He hoped that under the leadership of Imran Khan, Pakistan will flourish further and the relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will take a new height.

Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan Janbaz Khan, in his brief address, said that it is a matter of great satisfaction that Pakistan and Sri Lanka continue to maintain their traditionally close and mutually beneficial relations in all fields. He emphasised that with the continued commitment of the political leadership of both nations, the two countries have achieved development, progress and prosperity over the last 70 years through mutual cooperation.

Acting High Commissioner Khan added that it was a matter of pride that the reception was held on PMSS ‘Kashmir’ on 14 August, when Pakistan came into being. He welcomed the Captain and crew of PMSS Kashmir in the friendly waters of Sri Lanka on the ship’s maiden voyage.

Later on, a cake commemorating Pakistan-Sri Lanka friendship was jointly cut by Chief Guest Minister Arjuna Ranatunga, Sri Lanka Navy Commander Vice Admiral Ranasinghe, Acting High Commissioner Khan, PMSS Kashmir Mission Commander Captain Mahmood and Pakistani Defence Advisor Colonel Sajjad Ali.