Islamabad: Newly appointed High Commissioner of Sri Lanka Don Fred Seneviratne paid a courtesy call on Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani in Islamabad today. Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, was also present on the occasion.
According to Radio Pakistan, Chairman Senate congratulated the High Commissioner on assuming his diplomatic responsibilities and extended best wishes for a successful tenure in Pakistan. He emphasized that Pakistan regards Sri Lanka as a trusted partner and an important country in South Asia.
Highlighting the significance of regional cooperation, the Chairman stressed the need to revitalize the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to achieve collective prosperity, peace, and connectivity. He observed that SAARC must regain its true potential for the socio-economic uplift of the region.
On defence cooperation, Chairman Senate highlighted the importance of strong military-to-military ties between the two countries. He noted ongoing collaboration in high-level visits, professional training, and equipment support, and called for further expansion in these areas.
Chairman Senate also reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to promoting cultural linkages, preserving shared Buddhist heritage sites in Taxila, Takht-i-Bahi, and the Swat Valley, and strengthening people-to-people contacts. He also emphasized Pakistan's role in human resource development by providing scholarships and training opportunities for Sri Lankan students.
Discussing regional issues, Chairman Senate reiterated Pakistan's consistent stance on peace and cooperation in South Asia. He stressed that long-standing disputes, particularly the Jammu and Kashmir issue, must be resolved in accordance with the principles of justice and international commitments.
The Chairman also extended an invitation for Sri Lankan leadership to participate in the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference, scheduled to be held in November 2025 in Pakistan.
The Sri Lankan High Commissioner said his country values Pakistan as an important regional partner and is committed to diversifying bilateral ties across multiple sectors.