Sri Lankan President.—Reuters Photo

ISLAMABAD: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived here Friday on a three-day state visit to Pakistan to further strengthen political, economic and defence ties between the two countries.

He was received at Chaklala Air Base by Chairman Senate Farooq H Naek, Minister for States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) Eng Shaukat Ullah, and other officials.

The Sri Lankan president is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of President Asif Ali Zardari.

A formal welcome ceremony for the guest would be held at the President House this afternoon when he arrives there to meet President Zardari.

During his visit, President Rajapaksha, besides meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari, is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.

The talks between the two countries would cover political, defense, cultural, tourism, media, economic, business and trade relations. A number of bilateral agreements are also expected to be signed between the two sides.

Opinion

Editorial

Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...
Digital growth
Updated 25 Apr, 2024

Digital growth

Democratising digital development will catalyse a rapid, if not immediate, improvement in human development indicators for the underserved segments of the Pakistani citizenry.
Nikah rights
25 Apr, 2024

Nikah rights

THE Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement championing the rights of women within a marriage. The ruling...
Campus crackdowns
25 Apr, 2024

Campus crackdowns

WHILE most Western governments have either been gladly facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, or meekly...