Visit of the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar to Sri Lanka (3-4 February 2023)
Posted On February 6, 2023
At the invitation of the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar visited Sri Lanka on 3-4 February 2023 to attend the 75th Independence Day celebrations of Sri Lanka. Ministers from Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, India, Japan, and Bhutan also attended the event.
In addition to attending the cultural event and Independence Day ceremony, the Minister of State also called on the President, the Prime Minister, and the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka. Bilateral meetings between the Minister of State and the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh and the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan also took place on the sidelines.
The Minister of State called on the President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Ranil Wickremesinghe, and felicitated him on 75th Independence day of the country. Congratulating him on assuming the office of the President, she hoped that the country will progress and prosper under his able leadership. She reiterated Pakistan’s full support for the government and people of Sri Lanka during these difficult times. The President reciprocated the warm wishes and underscored that her participation in Sri Lankan celebrations was reflective of the brotherly relations between the two countries.
In her meeting with the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Hon. Mr. Dinesh Gunawardena, the Minister of State appreciated the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements made for the celebrations of Independence Day. Issues of mutual interest relating to bilateral cooperation were discussed during the meeting. The Minister of State emphasized the importance of high-level visits from both sides to continue providing impetus to the growth of bilateral ties.
During the meeting with the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Hon. Ali Sabry, the Minister of State thanked him for the invitation to participate in the Independence Day celebrations. The two Ministers discussed a range of bilateral issues, including cooperation in defence, education, health, trade and investment, and people-to-people contacts. They also expressed satisfaction over the trajectory of cordial relations between the two friendly countries and resolved to take measures to further consolidate existing collaboration in various fields.
During the visit, the Minister of State also held bilateral meetings with the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen, and the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Mr. Shunsuke Takei, who were also attending the Independence Day celebrations of Sri Lanka.
Colombo
4 February 2023
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