At the invitation of the Prime Minister of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (SL) Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan (PAK) Imran Khan paid a two-day official visit to SL on 23-24 February.

Prime Minister Khan was accompanied by a high-level delegation, comprising Federal Ministers and senior Government officials. This was the first visit by the Prime Minister of PAK to SL since the formation of the new Governments in both the countries, clearly reflecting the warmth and goodwill between the Governments and peoples of the two countries. Prime Minister Khan received a warm ceremonial welcome by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Ministers of SL.     

During the visit, Prime Minister Khan held delegation-level meetings with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa of SL. Both sides comprehensively reviewed the multifaceted bilateral relationship in diverse fields of cooperation. The talks were held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, marked by mutual trust and respect. The visit afforded a timely opportunity to both sides to further build upon their close and regular consultations, particularly in the areas identified during the recently held Foreign Secretary-level bilateral political consultations, Joint Economic Commission session, and the Commerce Secretaries-level talks.

Both sides reached broad consensus on ways and means to further strengthen cooperation in a comprehensive manner and agreed to hold frequent meetings; promote high-level and delegation-level exchanges; and enhance the process of consultations, cooperation and coordination between their respective institutions. Prime Minister Khan reiterated PAK’s support for the socio-economic development of SL in line with the vision of a “peaceful neighbourhood”. 

The two sides reviewed the extensive engagement that exists between the two countries in promoting cultural linkages, human resource development, and capacity building in diverse areas as well as educational and technical cooperation. The PAK side announced 100 scholarships in the field of medicines (MBBS and BDS) as part of the PAK-SL Higher Education Cooperation Program (PSLHECP). The SL side appreciated the cooperation being extended by PAK in human resource development and capacity building.

While realising the existence of great potential of religious tourism to Buddhist archaeological sites and noting the close ancient and cultural ties dating back to Gandhara civilisation, the two sides underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation in the field of tourism and highlighted the benefits of sharing expertise in the hospitality industry, including training and capacity building. PAK announced its initiative of establishing an Asian Civilisation and Culture Centre at University of Peradeniya, Kandy. Both sides recognised the importance of enhancing air connectivity to promote people-to-people contact, tourism, trade and culture.

In order to explore new avenues for enhancing bilateral trade and investment between the two countries, a high-level PAK-SL Trade and Investment Conference was held on 24 February. The conference provided an opportunity for effective and meaningful engagement between the business communities of the two countries. At the conference, both PAK and SL reiterated the importance of strengthening economic relations in key areas of mutual interest and diversifying trade and investment between the two countries. The two sides stressed the importance of realising the goal of achieving the $ 1 billion bilateral trade target and also agreed to work towards broadening and deepening of PAK-SL Free Trade Agreement. 

During the visit, the following Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) between PAK and SL were signed:

i.MoU between the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of SL and the Government of the Islamic Republic of PAK on Cooperation in Tourism

ii. MoU on Cooperation between the Board of Investment of the Democratic Socialist Republic of SL and the Board of Investment of the Islamic Republic of PAK

iii. MoU between Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), the Democratic Socialist Republic of SL and International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi Islamic Republic of PAK

iv. Intent of Cooperation between Industrial Technology Institute of SL and COMSATS University – Islamabad

v. MoU between University of Colombo – SL and Lahore School of Economics – PAK

Prime Minister Khan and Prime Minister Rajapaksa jointly acknowledged the reconstitution of the SL-PAK Parliamentary Friendship Association. Both sides underscored the need to strengthen parliamentary cooperation between the two sides. 

Both sides expressed satisfaction at the existing bilateral cooperation in the field of defence and noted that the elevation of staff-level talks to defence dialogue has further provided an opportunity to expand security sector relations. Prime Minister Khan announced a new $ 50 million defence credit line facility. The two sides stressed the need for stronger partnership for supporting and coordinating with each other in dealing with matters related to security, terrorism, organised crime and drug and narcotic trafficking as well as intelligence-sharing. 

Prime Minister Khan in his efforts to strengthen sports diplomacy, participated at an interactive session with the sports community of SL on 24 February. At this event, SL’s Minister of Sports and Youth Namal Rajapaksa, in the presence of the Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene, announced the commissioning of the ‘Imran Khan High Performance Sports Centre’ in Colombo. PAK announced its decision to provide PKR 52 million for promotion of sports in SL, including through training and equipment. 

Both sides underlined the importance of inter-religious dialogue and harmony as a key to promote cultural diversity, peaceful co-existence and mutual empathy.

The two sides noted the close cooperation between the two countries at regional and international fora on issues of mutual interest, and agreed to further strengthen a coordinated approach on such matters.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to the principles and objectives of the SAARC Charter and stressed the need of SAARC Member countries to build on convergences, for greater good of the people in the region. Both sides stressed the need to convene the Charter-Based bodies and agreed to take forward the SAARC process for further strengthening regional cooperation to achieve prosperity in the region. 

Discussing the developments in regional and global environment, the two sides reaffirmed their joint commitment to regional peace, security and stability. Prime Minister Khan underscored the need for peaceful resolution of outstanding disputes through constructive dialogue in accordance with international legitimacy.

In the context of regional connectivity, Prime Minister Khan highlighted the opportunities presented by China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of BRI, for regional economic growth and prosperity. 

Discussing the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19, the two sides underscored the need for collective efforts to deal with the pandemic. SL thanked PAK for the tremendous assistance extended to the repatriation of stranded Lankans in PAK since the outbreak of the COVID pandemic.

While reiterating the commitment of the new Government to further strengthen the bilateral relations, the Prime Minister of SL thanked the Government and the people of PAK for the constant support extended by PAK to safeguard the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of SL.

The Prime Minister of PAK extended an invitation to the President and the Prime Minister of SL to visit PAK at their earliest convenience. 

Prime Minister Khan thanked Prime Minister Rajapaksa for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation.    

Pakistan Foreign Minister meets Dinesh