Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif arrives in Sri Lanka, to sign several agreements

COLOMBO: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today arrived in Sri Lanka on a three-day visit during which several agreements to boost bilateral ties, including in the areas of health and curb terrorism financing, will be signed.

Sharif was received at the airport here by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The Pakistan prime minister will hold talks with President Maithripala Sirisena and other officials tomorrow.

This is Sharif's first visit to Sri Lanka since he attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit in 2013.

Several bilateral agreements, including in the areas of health, science and technology, trade, and curb terrorism financing are to be signed during the visit.

Business MoUs including deep sea fishing, cement, power, education and food will also be signed.

During his stay in Sri Lanka, Sharif will visit the historic city of Kandy. He will visit Sri Dalada Maligawa Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, International Buddhist Museum and Jinnah Hall in Kandy.

Sharif will also deliver a lecture on diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Islamabad and Colombo grew closer during Lanka's civil war by supplying arms to fight the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, who sought an independent state for ethnic minority Tamils.

President Sirisena visited Pakistan from April 5-7 in 2015.