(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has telephoned Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday and discussed with him matters relating to the current economic situation of both the countries.
Premier Sharif thanked the Sri Lankan President for supporting Pakistan with regard to the country’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the High Commission of Pakistan in Colombo said.
In the phone call, PM Shehbaz acknowledged the role played by Sri Lanka as a friend and a well-wisher of Pakistan.
“You have played role of a true friend and a well-wisher of Pakistan, and I thank you on behalf of the people of my country,” the Prime Minister told the Lankan President.
He paid tributes to Sri Lanka for its role in promoting regional peace and development. He also hoped that both Pakistan and Sri Lanka would come out of the economic crisis very soon.
President Wickremesinghe congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for reaching the staff level agreement with the IMF.
He also thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for expressing good wishes for his country.
The Lankan President appreciated the struggle and efforts by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the difficult economic situation in Pakistan.
The Sri Lankan President had stressed the IMF to help Pakistan saving from default as Sri Lanka had to face very tough situation after falling into default.
The IMF’s Executive Board approved a nine-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) for Pakistan for an amount of $3 billion.
The two leaders have agreed to continue the long-standing cooperation in areas of mutual interest and further strengthen bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
