President as Chief Guest at Pakistan Republic Day celebrations

President Maithripala Sirisena attended the Pakistan Republic Day celebrations which were held in Islamabad, today on a grand scale  as the Chief Guest. He was warmly received by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi when he arrived at the venue.

Later, the President was escorted to the VVIP Pavilion and the Pakistani  President Mamnoon Hussain, President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the Speaker and the Pakistani Tri- Forces Commanders seated at the VVIP Pavilion.

With the arrival of the President Sirisena the programme commenced, and the dignitaries including the Presidents of both countries observed the tri forces parade, cultural pageant and Air show.

Military forces from Bahrain, Jordan and United Arab Emirates have also joined in this Air show with the Pakistan forces. The Republic day parade and pageant filled with vivid cultural shows lasted three hours.

It was followed by the speech delivered by Pakistan President Mamnooon Hussain, who made a special note on the friendship shared by Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He thanked President Mithripala Sirisena who participated in the Republic day celebration, accepting his invitation and said that the people of Pakistan expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Sri Lankan President.

The premises where this celebration was held was provided with high security while  the warm welcome with dignity given to President Maithripala Sirisena will open new pathway for the  Sri Lanka –Pakistani bilateral relations.

The reconstructed Buddhist International Cultural Centre in Islamabad will be re-opened by the President Sirisena in this afternoon.

The bilateral discussions between President Sirisena and Pakistan Prime Minister Abbasi will be followed by signing of four agreements between the two countries.