Prime Minister Imran Khan received a historic warm reception on his maiden two-day visit to Sri Lanka. He landed in Sri Lanka on Tuesday, 23rd February on the invitation of his counterpart, Sri Lankan premier, Mahinda Rajapaksa.
The red carpet was set to welcome the guests. Sri Lankan prime minister along with his cabinet members received the Pakistani delegation at Colombo Airport. A couple of children presented PM Imran Khan with a flower bouquet as he came out of the aircraft.
PM Imran Khan was welcomed with the cultural dance of Sri Lanka. Later he was given a guard of honour. The hosts give PM Imran Khan gave him 21 Guns Salute. Later he was introduced to the cabinet members of the Sri Lankan government. PM Khan signed a guest book as well.
Historic welcome to the Prime Minister by SriLankan side. Guard of honour, cultural show and performance, 21 Gun Salute and guest book signing – All this while PM Imran Khan was received by his SriLankan counterpart along with his cabinet. #PMIKinSL
— Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) February 23, 2021
PM Imran Khan and SriLankan Prime Minister at Colombo airport as PM Khan kickstarts his SriLanka visit with 21 Gun salute, guard of honour from SriLankan side. #PMIKinSL pic.twitter.com/gwhQHNU7mD
— Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) February 23, 2021
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Preparations had been underway to give a warm reception to Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan upon his maiden visit to Sri Lanka. Colombo had been adorned with Pakistani and Sri Lankan flags, shows the viral images on social media.
Journalist Anas Malik who is present in Colombo shared the images of the final rehearsal of the Sri Lankan military troops and its band ahead of the arrival of PM Imran Khan. The stage was set up at the runway of the airport. Signboards welcoming PM Khan were placed outside the Colombo airport.
According to Malik, Prime Minister Imran Khan is the first head of state to visit Sri Lanka after the new government took charge.
SriLankan military troops and its bands do their final rehearsal ahead of PM Imran Khan’s landing at Colombo airport. #PMIKinSL pic.twitter.com/9kVno2RMiO
— Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) February 23, 2021
Bright sunny day in Colombo, Pakistani flags are up on the streets to welcome #PMIKinSL as Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI undertakes a very important visit to SL upon the invite of his SriLankan counterpart. #SriLanka #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/mE42S4EvZ2
— Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) February 23, 2021
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Analysts have termed PM Imran Khan’s visit to Sri Lanka ‘significantly important’. Both the premiers are expected to discuss expanding collaboration in different sectors.
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Special Assistant on Tourism Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, Advisor on Commerce, Textile, and Industry Razzak Dawood are present on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka.