Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Sri Lanka will open a new chapter in bilateral and economic relations, officials told Arab News on Monday.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are expected to sign multiple agreements to strengthen economic cooperation and improve connectivity between the two countries during the Pakistani premier’s upcoming visit.
Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit Sri Lanka on the invitation of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, according to Pakistan Foreign Office statement. This will be the Pakistani premier’s first visit to Sri Lanka after assuming office in 2018.
Sri Lanka PM Mahinda Rajapaksa said in a tweet that he looked forward to welcoming Pakistani PM Imran Khan and his delegation in Sri Lanka next week.
“This visit will further reinforce our bilateral relationship and pave the way for joint ventures that mutually benefit both our nations” he said.
PM Khan will also lead the delegation-level talks, covering all areas of cooperation including trade and investment, health and education,agriculture, science and technology, defence and security, and culture and tourism.
The Pakistan-Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Forum, organized by the Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan and its diplomatic mission in Colombo,will be at the Shangri-La Hotel, where Khan is expected to woo the island’s business magnates into investing in Pakistan. PM Khan will be accompanied by a high-powered business and investment delegation consisting of business leaders mainly from the sectors of textile, pharmaceuticals, agro-food, sports goods, ICT, gems and jewellery, auto parts, construction material and surgical equipment.
Khan will be accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, the prime minister’s commerce adviser Abdul Razak Dawood, Foreign Affairs Secretary Sohail Mehmood and a delegation of senior officials and business leaders.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have maintained close and cordial relations since 1948.
The two countries share common views on a wide range of international and regional issues and have worked closely at the international and regional levels, including the United Nations and SAARC, Pakistan foreign office said.
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