Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif telephoned Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday and discussed with him matters relating to the current economic situation of both the countries.
He thanked the Sri Lankan president for supporting Pakistan with regard to the country’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“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.
PM Shehbaz commended 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.
The Sri Lankan president congratulated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for reaching the staff level agreement with the IMF.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe also thanked PM Shehbaz for expressing good wishes for his country.
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.
It is pertinent mention that the IMF on Wednesday approved $3 billion a 9-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) for Pakistan.
"Today, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a 9-month Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) for Pakistan for an amount of SDR2,250 million (about $3 billion, or 111 percent of quota) to support the authorities’ economic stabilization program," the IMF said in a statement.