by Shafqat Ali

 

ISLAMABAD, Feb. 24 (Gwadar Pro) - Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday afternoon said Sri Lanka can multiply its economic and regional ties with Pakistan by joining China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Project (CPEC).

 

 

The premier stated this at a joint news conference with his counterpart Sri Lankan PM Mahinda Rajapaksa during his two-day visit to Sri Lanka.

 

PM Khan said Sri Lanka could get access to Central Asia through Pakistan, adding that CPEC will boost trade in the region.

 

The premier highlighted that both Pakistan and Sri Lanka were facing same challenges in wake of COVID-19 pandemic and terrorism.

 

Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Sri Lankan counterpart, Mahinda Rajapaksa earlier held a one-on-one meeting and discussed issues of bilateral and regional importance, said an official statement.

 

“Through CPEC, economic ties can be extended to Central Asia and Sri Lanka. Pakistan is an important component of CPEC, which would open new avenues for the development of regional ties,” PM Khan said.

 

The two leaders also affirmed their resolve to strengthen relations in diverse areas in the meeting held at Temple Trees - the Sri Lankan prime minister's office - and focus on strengthening ties in areas of trade and investment, health and education, agriculture, science and technology, security, culture and tourism.