President to visit Pakistan tomorrow
March 21, 2018 05:17 pm
President Maithripala Sirisena will leave for Islamabad tomorrow (March 22) to attend the Pakistan Republic Day celebrations on March 23 as chief guest on an invitation extended by Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain.
This is the first time a Sri Lankan leader received such an invitation to be the chief guest on the national day of Pakistan and it reflects the strength of bilateral friendship and ties, the PMD said.
Pakistan gained independence on August 15, 1947 and became a republic on March 23, 1956. Since then the Republic Day is celebrated as the national day of Pakistan.
Pakistan government has made elaborate arrangements to welcome President Sirisena as the chief Guest at the national day ceremony. He will witness the National Day military parade, air display and pageant.
The President will also hold discussions with President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi during his visit to Islamabad. Two countries will also discuss economic, trade and educational relations between the two countries.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka will sign four agreements related to foreign service training, education and tourism during the President’s visit.
The Memoranda of Understanding to be signed are on; Youth Development between Sri Lanka and Pakistan; Between the Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute of Sri Lanka and the Foreign Service Academy of Pakistan; Between the Institute of National Security Studies of Sri Lanka and the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and; Between the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration and National School of Public Policy, Pakistan.
During his visit, President Sirisena will declare open the re-furbished International Buddhist Centre in the diplomatic enclave in Islamabad.
