Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday invited Sri Lanka to improve its economic and regional ties through Pakistan, which is a key part of the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
Addressing a joint press conference with Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa, he said that CPEC can be a route to extend economic ties to central Asia and Sri Lanka.
He added that Pakistan will be gateway to boost regional links.
The premier said that the both Pakistan and Sri Lanka are facing problems related to terrorism, besides recalling that 70,000 people lost their lives due to terrorism in ten years.
The premier recalled that he had visited the Sri Lank for first time at the start of his international cricket career.
Earlier today, Imran Khan reached Sri Lank on two-day visit. His counterpart received him at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo where he was also accorded a red carpet welcome and Guard of Honour.
Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI was accorded a red carpet welcome at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo.
🇵🇰🤝🏽🇱🇰#PMIKinSriLanka pic.twitter.com/woLSiDrXFs— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) February 23, 2021
Later, the premier held a one-on-one with PM Raja Paksa at Temple Trees. Matters related to mutual interests and bilateral relations came under discussion.
Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI holds One-on-One meeting with Prime Minister @PresRajapaksa at Temple Trees in Colombo, Sri Lanka.#PMIKinSriLanka pic.twitter.com/0fWJOhqGCK
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) February 23, 2021
Both sides also held delegation level talks to discuss various matters.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka also signed several Memorandums of Understanding in various sectors including commerce, investment, education, science and technology and industrial cooperation.
Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI holds key bilateral, high-level meeting with Sri Lankan Prime Minister @PresRajapaksa and his delegation at Temple Tree, PM House of Sri Lanka.#PMIKinSriLanka pic.twitter.com/yvhUyAg7ZZ
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) February 23, 2021
The signing ceremony of MoUs was held in Colombo on Tuesday, in the presence of Prime Ministers of both countries.
Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI and Prime Minister @PresRajapaksa witnessed signing of MoUs between the 🇵🇰 and 🇱🇰#PMIKinSriLanka pic.twitter.com/xQGQER96eB
— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) February 23, 2021
The agreements were signed by departmental representatives from both countries.
