05 February 2004	Thursday	13 Zilhaj 1424

ISLAMABAD, Feb 4: President General Pervez Musharraf greeted his Sri Lankan counterpart, Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, on the country's National Day on Wednesday.

In his message, the president expressed pleasure and warm felicitations on the National Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

"I am confident that the excellent relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka would grow further to the mutual benefit of our people thereby contributing to the peace and stability of the region.

"May I take this opportunity, excellency, to thank you for your leadership, guidance and the positive role played by you leading to the success of the 12th Saarc Summit in Islamabad.-APP

A Reporter Adds: Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy close friendly ties over the years which would further strengthen. This was stated by Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali while greeting Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe, a press release said.

Mr Jamali highlighted the fields of politics, economics, culture and sports in which both Pakistan and Sri Lanka have made best endeavours for mutual benefit.