Ranatunga hopes relationship with Pakistan will grow under Imran Khan

(FASTNEWS|COLOMBO) – Sri Lanka hopes its relationship with Pakistan will grow under newly elected Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Minister for Petroleum Resources Development Arjuna Ranatunga said he was proud that his close friend Imran Khan is going to be the new Prime Minister of Pakistan.

He hoped that under the leadership of Imran Khan, Pakistan will flourish further and the relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will take a new height.

A reception was held on board the Pakistan Maritime Security Ship (PMSS) “Kashmir” at the Port of Colombo.

Ranatunga was the Chief Guest on the occasion. The reception was attended by Commander Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral S. S. Ranasinghe, Officers of Sri Lanka tri-services, Diplomats, Officers of the High Commission of Pakistan, people from different spheres of life and representatives of media.

While welcoming the guests, the Mission Commander, PMSS Kashmir, Captain Azhar Mahmood said the visit is a manifestation of the strong diplomatic and defense relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and aimed at further strengthening these existing bonds. He thanked the Sri Lankan authorities for warm welcome and hospitality extended to them during their stay.

The Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan, Janbaz Khan, in his brief address, said that it is a matter of great satisfaction that Pakistan and Sri Lanka continue to maintain their traditionally close and mutually beneficial relations in all fields. He emphasised that with the continued commitment of the political leadership of both nations, the two countries have achieved development, progress and prosperity over the last 70-years through mutual cooperation.

Khan added that it was a matter of pride that the reception held on PMSS “Kashmir” on Wednesday (14), when Pakistan came into being. He welcomed the Captain and crew of PMSS Kashmir in the friendly waters of Sri Lanka on the ship’s maiden voyage.

Later on, a cake commemorating Pakistan-Sri Lanka friendship was jointly cut by the Chief Guest, Commander Sri Lanka Navy, Acting High Commissioner, Commander of the ship and Defence Advisor of Pakistan.