President on state visit to Pakistan

COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapakse accompanied by Mrs. Rajapakse, will pay a state visit to Pakistan from March 31 to April 2 on the invitation of Pakistan President Gen. Pervez Musharraf. President will be discussing with Pakistani leaders a range of bilateral matters, including avenues for further enhancing cooperation between the two countries, and the progress made in the implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which was operationalised in June 2005.

In addition to the official programme in Islamabad, the President is expected to visit Lahore, and meet with representatives of the business community in Karachi.

The delegation accompanying President Rajapakse will include several Cabinet Ministers and senior officials.