Reception on board at Pakistan maritime security ships Hingol and Basol

Monday, 9 January 2017 00:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

in-3 A colourful reception was arranged on board at visiting Pakistan maritime security ships ‘Hingol’ and ‘Basol’ who are currently in Sri Lanka for a four-day port call as a reflective of strong multifaceted relationship and engagement between the two brotherly countries.

The reception was attended by a large gathering of guests which included Sri Lankan ministers, diplomats, senior officers of armed forces, top Government functionaries, business and media personalities, members of Pakistani community as well as officers of the High Commission of Pakistan.

While welcoming the guests on behalf of the entire crew members, Mission Commander Ashfaq Ali thanked the Sri Lankan Navy and the people of Sri Lanka for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to Pakistani ships. He emphasised that relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka are time tested and based on mutual respect, support and cooperation.

In his brief remarks, the Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka Dr. Sarfraz Ahmed Khan Sipra said that the visit will further strengthen the cooperation between the two navies as well as enhance the strong bond of brotherly relationship between the two countries. The strategic location as well as the economic health of the country is indicative of Sri Lanka’s potential to become hub of global maritime trade, he added.

Later on, a specially made cake, commemorating Pakistan-Sri Lanka friendship was jointly cut by the Minister for Ports and Shipping Arjuna Ranatunga, Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan, Sri Lankan Naval Commander and Mission Commander of Pakistan ships.