Pakistan committed to extend cultural ties with Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); A Sri Lankan delegation, led by Vidura Wickramanayaka, Minister of Buddhadasna Religious and Cultural Affairs, called on Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan at Governor’s House, on Sunday.

In the meeting, issues of mutual interest, ways to enhance cooperation in economic, tourism and other sectors between the two countries, were discussed.

The governor said Pakistan and Sri Lanka had cordial relations, and underscored the need to enhance existing bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

He said that Pakistan was committed to extending cultural ties with Sri Lanka, adding that the Government of Pakistan had preserved ancient Buddhist relics in the historical sites of Taxila, Takht Bahi, and the Swat Valley, adding that the Buddhist monuments in Pakistan provided opportunities to increase religious tourism between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

The governor said that there was a need to explore new avenues of cooperation between the two countries in economic and tourism sectors and ensure sustainable development in the region.

He invited Sri Lanka to explore the possibilities of joint ventures in tourism and hospitality sectors and to invest in the tourism sector, and added that Pakistan was committed to promoting peace and cooperation in South Asia.