President Zardari felicitates Sri Lanka on 78th Independence Day, reaffirms strong bilateral ties

Islamabad (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari, on behalf of the Government and the people of Pakistan, and personally, felicitated Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, along with the Sri Lankan government and its people, as the island nation marks its 78th Independence Day.

In his statement, President Zardari said the occasion symbolizes the unity, dignity, and patriotic spirit of the Sri Lankan people.

He noted that the country’s national journey reflects a deep-rooted cultural legacy and the strength shown by its people in the face of challenges.

President Zardari underlined that Pakistan and Sri Lanka share a trusted and enduring relationship, built over decades of standing side by side during both hardships and successes.

Referring to past cooperation in security matters, the president stated that Pakistan’s armed forces had contributed, at the request of the Sri Lankan people, to efforts aimed at eliminating terrorism within Sri Lanka.

He also praised Sri Lanka’s role in promoting regional cooperation, recalling that Colombo hosted the SAARC summits in 1991, 1998, and 2008.

President Zardari expressed regret that the SAARC process has remained stalled for nearly twelve years.

He said the spirit of the regional forum had been undermined after India prevented the holding of further summits, particularly because the next gathering was scheduled to take place in Pakistan.

Marking Sri Lanka’s Independence Day, he voiced hope that Islamabad and Colombo would continue working together to promote peace and security in South Asia and to help revive SAARC.

He emphasized that ties between Pakistan and Sri Lanka are rooted in mutual respect, goodwill, and shared values, and that both nations have consistently supported one another in difficult periods as well as moments of progress.

President Zardari expressed confidence that the longstanding friendship between the two countries would continue to deepen, with expanded cooperation and stronger bilateral engagement in the years to come.