FM Qureshi calls on Sri Lankan president, counterpart

COLOMBO (92 News) – Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called on newly elected President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday and discussed bilateral relations, regional situation and matters of mutual interest. On behalf of Pakistani leadership and nation, the minister felicitated Gotabaya Rajapaksa on his election as the seventh President of Sri Lanka. Shah Mahmood Qureshi also handed over a letter of President Arif Alvi to the Sri Lankan President, inviting him to visit Pakistan. He expressed the confidence that under the leadership of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Pakistan-Sri lanka relations will gain further strength. He also appreciated the Sri Lankan people for valiantly fighting the scourge of terrorism. The Sri Lankan President thanked the Pakistani leadership for extending him felicitation on his election and inviting him to visit Pakistan. Moreover, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also held a meeting with his Sri Lankan counterpart. Earlier talking to media on his arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy longstanding and strong bilateral relations. He said Pakistan and Sri Lanka have always supported each other in diverse field. The minister said that the newly elected president and prime minster of Sri Lanka are friends of Pakistan. “I am here with a special letter from Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Dr Arif Alvi for the newly elected leadership of Sri Lanka.” Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy close, cordial ties based on mutual trust and understanding. The bilateral relationship is broad-based and multifaceted, covering diverse fields including political, trade, commercial, defence, people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges. High-level visits are a regular feature of Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations.