Islamabad, 2 August 2022 (TDI): The Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Sohail Mahmood welcomed Mohan Wijewickrama, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, at the Foreign Office.
Both sides discussed matters of bilateral interest. The Foreign Secretary of Pakistan assured Pakistan’s support and solidarity for the people of Sri Lanka.
Moreover, he emphasized Pakistan’s attachment and commitment to its multi-dimensional relations with Sri Lanka.
Most importantly, the Pakistani Foreign Secretary reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to further deepen this valuable partnership.
FS Sohail Mahmood received 🇱🇰s HC Wijewickrama. FS reaffirmed Pakistan’s support & solidarity for brotherly Sri Lankan ppl; stressed imp Pakistan attaches to its multi-dimensional relations with 🇱🇰; & reiterated 🇵🇰’s resolve to further deepen this valuable partnership.
🇵🇰🤝🇱🇰 pic.twitter.com/n0Alm9Ii69
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) August 1, 2022
Previous Meetings
In February 2021, Imran Khan, Former Prime Minister of Pakistan visited Sri Lanka. In line with the visit, he highlighted the prospects of a bilateral strategic partnership between Colombo and Islamabad.
The Pakistani Prime Minister, in a joint press conference, said, “My visit aims to strengthen bilateral relationship [with Sri Lanka], especially trade and economic ties through enhanced connectivity.”
During his visit, several Memorandums of Understanding were signed between both governments including cooperation in tourism.
Additionally, the Pakistani Government also announced scholarships for Sri Lankan students as part of the Pakistan-Sri Lanka Higher Education Cooperation Programme.
Recently, in June 2022, Umar Farooq Burki, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka met with Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former President of Sri Lanka.
He assured that the Government of Pakistan will extend its support to Sri Lankan Government in overcoming the ongoing economic crisis.
Moreover, the High Commissioner asserted that close and multilateral ties between the two states as well as the trade, development, and security cooperation will be further strengthened.
H.E Maj Gen (R) Umar Farooq Burki HI (M) had a cordial meeting with @GotabayaR. Resolve to strengthen 🇵🇰🇱🇰multilateral relations & political, trade, cultural, security, & development cooperation was reiterated. 🇱🇰 President thanked H.E. for 🇵🇰 continuous & unconditional support pic.twitter.com/SOoY0d0Q82
— Pakistan High Commission Sri Lanka (@PakinSriLanka) June 20, 2022
Also, Sri Lankan President thanked the High Commissioner and the Government of Pakistan for unconditional support as well as for awarding scholarships to Sri Lankan students.
Pakistan-Sri Lanka Relations
Pakistan and Sri Lanka share cultural connections of Islam and Buddhism. The two countries established Joint Economic Commission (JC) in 1974.
In addition, both countries seek to institutionalize democratic norms and ideals as a prerequisite for democratic governance.
Above all, the cooperation in getting rid of terrorism led to strong defense relations between the two countries.
Pakistan signed an agreement with Sri Lanka in 2016 to provide eight JF-17 fighter aircraft. Pakistani and Sri Lankan armed and naval forces have also been through military, and defense workshops and seminars.
All in all, relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka are based on cultural links, defense cooperation, and economic diplomacy.
Also Read: Pakistani High Commissioner to Sri Lanka meets Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister
