Despite Sri Lanka 'Pulling Out Of SAARC Summit' Pakistan Willing To Strengthen Ties

Pakistan's High Commissioner to Sri Lanka said on Monday that it attaches great importance to its relationship with Sri Lanka.

This announcement came despite the recent 'pull out' of the SAARC Summit by the island nation. The summit was to be held in Islamabad.

A 27-member delegation of the Sri Lankan Army met with High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka Major General (R) Syed Shakeel Hussain at the High Commission of Pakistan, Xinhua said.

The delegation is travelling to Lahore, Pakistan, to participate in an international competition this month.

While addressing the delegation, the Pakistan high commissioner in Colombo highlighted that Pakistan and Sri Lanka have consistently maintained close, cordial and mutually supportive relations at all levels.

"These deep rooted relations draws strength from centuries old civilizational link through our shared rich heritage, which is preserved by the people and government of Pakistan with due reverence," he added.

Shakeel Hussain further elaborated that the government of Pakistan is actively engaged with all neighboring countries in an effort to create a peaceful neighborhood.

On Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations, he said both sides have intensified political engagement and undertaken substantive measures to further deepen and broaden the economic relationship.