Joint Chief of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Chairman General Rashad Mahmood called on President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees in Colombo.
During the meeting, General Rashad Mahmood conveyed best wishes and warm regards from the president and prime minister of Pakistan, to President Mahinda Rajapaksa as well as to the government and people of Sri Lanka, said a message received here from Colombo.
The chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee said Pakistan and Sri Lanka are historically bonded in a relationship of trust, mutual respect and deep friendship, which is reflected in the strong multifaceted relationship between the two countries. He congratulated the Sri Lankan President on his country’s team winning the T20 Cricket World Cup. He also appreciated the efforts of the Sri Lankan government in defeating the menace of terrorism from Sri Lankan soil and reiterated Pakistan’s continuous and unflinching support to Sri Lanka at all forums.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa appreciated the strong support extended by the Government of Pakistan to Sri Lanka during the recent session of UNHRC. He said Pakistan has proved to be a true friend of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan government as well as the people have deep affection for Pakistan.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa also acknowledged Pakistan’s support during Sri Lanka’s war against terrorism.
The Chief of Defence Staff Sri Lanka Gen Jagath Jaysuriya and the High Commissioner of Pakistan Maj Gen (r) Qasim Qureshi were also present on the occasion.
The CJCSC also called on Minister for External Affairs Sri Lanka, Prof GL Peiris. The minister also greatly appreciated Pakistan’s support during the UNHRC session and briefed the General on various developments related to the UNHRC process in Geneva. Other issues of mutual interest also came under discussion. It was agreed that the economic relationship between the two countries need to be further expanded and strengthened.
