COLOMBO (Staff Report) – Pakistan and Sri Lanka Tuesday signed eight memorandums of understanding (MoUs) of cooperation in the fields of commerce, defence and regional stability.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena administered the MoU singing ceremony in Colombo.
Speaking on the occasion the premier said that Sri Lanka and Pakistan have a long history of mutual cooperation and their ties even grow stronger after this visit. Both countries share same point of view on several regional issues, he added.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are key countries of south Asian region and they can play significant role in regional stability, Nawaz Sharif said.
On the occasion he invited Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena to visit Pakistan. He also hinted at giving Sri Lanka the most favoured nation (MFN) status in trade.
Earlier delegation level talks between Pakistan and Sri Lanka were held underway at Presidential Palace where Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif led the Pakistani delegation while Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena headed the Sri Lankan side.
Pakistani delegation included Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan, Minister of Defense Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi and Advisor on National Security Nasir Khan Janjua.
Upon his arrival in Presidential Palace, a formal welcome ceremony was held in honour of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Colombo today.
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena warmly received the Prime Minister on arrival at the Presidential Palace. Begum Kalsoom Nawaz Sharif and members of Prime Minister’s entourage accompanied him.
At the outset of the welcome ceremony, national anthems of the two countries were played. A smartly turned out contingent of Sri Lanka army presented salute to the visiting Prime Minister. Guns salute was also presented to the Prime Minster. Traditional dance was also part of the welcome ceremony.
Sri Lanka President introduced the distinguished guest with the members of the cabinet and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif introduced the host President with members of his entourage.
