News DeskDubai, UAE – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan and Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held their first in-person meeting on Tuesday during the World Government Summit in Dubai, reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral ties across multiple sectors.
The leaders underscored the historical bonds between the two nations, rooted in decades of diplomatic and cultural exchange. Both sides expressed a shared desire to leverage existing goodwill to expand collaboration in trade, defense, security, education, religious tourism, and sports. Emphasis was placed on increasing high-level engagements and identifying new avenues for partnership to bolster economic and strategic relations.
President Dissanayake lauded the enduring friendship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, recalling the iconic 1996 Cricket World Cup final hosted in Lahore as a symbol of shared camaraderie. “Such milestones reflect the spirit of our brotherhood,” he remarked, highlighting sports as a bridge for people-to-people connections.
Regional cooperation also featured prominently in discussions, with both leaders stressing the need to revitalize the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). They emphasized the platform’s potential to address collective challenges and foster development across South Asia.
Prime Minister Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a “robust, multifaceted partnership” with Sri Lanka, while President Dissanayake expressed optimism about future collaborations. The meeting concluded on a forward-looking note, with plans to accelerate joint initiatives in the agreed-upon domains.
This dialogue marks a significant step in reinvigorating bilateral ties, signaling a renewed focus on regional stability and mutual prosperity.
