Text of the Joint Statement on the Visit of the President Asif Zardari to Sri Lanka

Islamabad -- At the invitation of His Excellency Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Asif Ali Zardari, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan paid a State Visit to Sri Lanka from 27 - 30 November 2010. The President of Pakistan was accorded a ceremonial welcome on arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport on 27th November 2010. During the visit, the President of Pakistan was received by the President of Sri Lanka, who hosted a banquet in his honour. The two leaders held official talks. The official discussions between the two sides were marked by friendship, mutual respect and understanding. The President of Sri Lanka and the President of Pakistan agreed that the civilizational heritage of Sri Lanka and of Pakistan provided the foundation to build a vibrant and multi-faceted partnership. Sri Lanka - Pakistan relations have matured and diversified with the passage of time, encompassing key areas of contemporary relevance.