Pakistani leaders felicitate President

The President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan have congratulated President Mahinda Rajapakse on his assumption of the office of the President of Sri Lanka.

The Pakistani leaders in their separate messages of felicitation to President Mahinda Rajapakse have expressed the hope that the relations between the two friendly countries would further expand under his leadership. Following is the text of the message from President Pervez Musharraf, states a Pakistani High Commission press release.

"Excellency,

It is my pleasure to extend to you my warm felicitation on your assumption of office as the President of Sri Lanka. Your election to this high office is a testimony to the outstanding qualities of statesmanship that you displayed as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.

We have always placed a high priority on development of strong and productive relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. I am confident that under your leadership, we will be able to further expand our mutually beneficial relations. I look forward to working with you in this regard.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration."

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has sent the following message: "On behalf of the people and the Government of Pakistan and on my own behalf, I extend my heartiest congratulations to you on your assumption of offices as President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Your election as the fifth President of Sri Lanka reflects the confidence that people of Sri Lanka repose in your leadership.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy close and friendly relations. Our people share common aspirations of economic progress and prosperity. I look forward to working with you to further broaden and deepen out mutually beneficial bilateral relations.

As members of SAARC, our two countries have a common stake in the future progress and prosperity of the region. I am confident that we would achieve these objectives through our joint efforts. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration."