ISLAMABAD: A 20-member Sri Lankan delegation comprising academics, Buddhist monks, religious leaders and media representatives visited Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to explore opportunities for strengthening cultural, religious and academic cooperation between the two countries.
During the visit, Ambassador Sajjad Haider Khan, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Tariq Wazeer, Director General Strategic Communications, briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s rich cultural and religious heritage, particularly its historic Gandhara Buddhist legacy, religious tourism opportunities and initiatives such as the Kartarpur Corridor.
Ambassador Sajjad Haider Khan highlighted the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka and warmly welcomed Sri Lankan visitors to Pakistan. He also underscored the potential for expanding cooperation in cultural and religious tourism.
The discussions covered several areas of mutual interest, including academic partnerships, improved connectivity, updated memorandums of understanding (MoUs), joint archaeological explorations and cultural exchanges.
The meeting was also attended by Imran Shaukat of the Prime Minister’s Taskforce on Gandhara Cradle of Buddhism Strategy and the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan.
Ambassador Khan appreciated their contributions towards promoting Pakistan’s cultural and Buddhist heritage.
The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of Pakistan and Sri Lanka to strengthening people-to-people contacts and promoting their common cultural and civilizational heritage.