COLOMBO: Prime Minister Imran Khan had extensive consultations with Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa followed by delegation-level talks between the two sides.
The two leaders held wide-ranging discussions with a focus on reinforcing a broad-based and enduring partnership between Pakistan and Sri Lanka to advance the shared objectives of peace, stability and economic prosperity in South Asia.
The two leaders reaffirmed their resolve to work together across a broad range of areas. They acknowledged the immense opportunities and vast potential for mutually beneficial collaboration in the areas of trade and investment, IT and human resource development, agriculture and science and technology, security and defence cooperation, and culture and tourism.
PM Imran Khan said that since Pakistan was part of the Chinese President’s Belt and Road Initiative through its flagship China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, Sri Lanka can benefit from the project through enhanced connectivity up to the Central Asian States.
The prime minister said that he had asked his delegation to find ways and means to enhance trade and economic relations between the two countries through increased connectivity.
PM Imran Khan said with Pakistan faced the worst kind of terrorism for ten years which took the lives of over 70,000 and Sri Lanka also facing the menace for 30 years, the two countries shared the common problem.
He mentioned the role played by Pakistan in addressing the problem of terrorism in Sri Lanka that was hindering its progress and development. He said there was hardly any investment in Pakistan and Sri Lanka also faced similar problems and are now facing the coronavirus situation.
He remarked that poor and developing nations were badly hit by COVID-19 in terms of economy. During the talks, the two sides discussed how developing countries could get debt relief from the developed world as well as the international financial institutions.
Appreciating the rich Buddhist heritage of Pakistan and existence of great potential for religious tourism, it was agreed to enhance mutual collaboration including through sharing expertise in the hospitality industry, training and capacity-building.
Prime Minister Imran Khan underscored Pakistan’s commitment to peace and stability in the region and also underlined the imperative of constructive engagement by all sides to promote a political solution to the conflict in Afghanistan. He emphasised the importance of resolving disputes through dialogue and promoting the vision of peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia and beyond.
Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed deep appreciation and sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality accorded to him and his delegation in Sri Lanka.
He extended a cordial invitation to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to visit Pakistan at the earliest convenience.The two leaders witnessed the signing ceremony of important MOUs on cooperation in the fields of tourism, investment, education, and technology.
PM Imran Khan said he was no stranger in Sri Lanka as he had been visiting the country from his cricketing period and played matches. He recalled how Sri Lankan cricket revolutionized and became a world-class team.
Prime Minister Imran Khan is the first head of government to visit Sri Lanka after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed office last year, which was reflective of the importance both the countries attach to their important relationship.
