In pictures: Pakistani PM meets with President

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan met with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for bilateral talks today (24).

The discussions were on sharing technical knowledge to improve the agriculture sector and promoting exports, a statement from the President's office said.

Improving trade between the two countries were also discussed.

President Rajapaksa also invited more tourists from Pakistan to visit Sri Lanka after the COVID situation was controlled.

Meanwhile the High Commission of Pakistan said that Prime Minister Khan underlined the exceptional quality of Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations marked by trust, understanding and mutual support.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of building robust economic partnership characterized by enhanced bilateral trade, investments, and commercial cooperation, the High Commission said.

The Prime Minister also laid emphasis on deeper collaboration in diverse fields —particularly agriculture, tourism, science & technology, sports, education and culture. The importance of sharing experiences in poverty alleviation was stressed, the release said.

The Prime Minister underlined that Pakistan and Sri Lanka had always stood by each other. He re-affirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support to Sri Lanka in future.

The close cooperation between the two sides in the multilateral fora was re-affirmed, the release said.

While noting the close traditional and cultural ties between the two countries, Prime Minister Imran Khan highlighted that Pakistan has the potential of being a choice destination for religious tourism for Sri Lankan people. He particularly highlighted the rich Buddhist heritage of Pakistan, the release added..

In the regional context, Prime Minister Khan shared his vision of peace, development, and connectivity.

Prime Minister Imran Khan also emphasised the importance of regional cooperation through the platform of SAARC and the opportunities for regional prosperity through CPEC, the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The Prime Minister extended a cordial invitation to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to visit Pakistan at the earliest convenience.

(Pix by President's Media Division)