Mohsin Naqvi dons interior minister’s hat with diplomatic talks during Colombo visit

COLOMBO: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is in Colombo for the World Cup, has donned his role as Pakistan’s Interior Minister for a key diplomatic meeting.

He met with Sri Lankan Defense Secretary to discuss matters of mutual security cooperation between the two nations.

In a productive meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the security ties that have long existed between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The discussions also touched upon the broader regional security landscape, with a focus on combating terrorism, which remains a common challenge for both countries.

The Sri Lankan Defense Secretary stressed that Sri Lanka has been a victim of terrorism in the past, pointing to the long history of conflict the island nation has endured. “We are deeply grateful to Pakistan for its steadfast support in our fight against terrorism,” he remarked, acknowledging Pakistan’s role in providing both moral and material backing during Sri Lanka’s darkest times.

On his part, Mohsin Naqvi reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to its relationship with Sri Lanka. “Sri Lanka and Pakistan’s security relations have been strong at all times, and we remain determined to further strengthen our cooperation in defense and security matters,” Naqvi said.

The meeting accentuated the historical ties between the two countries, with both parties agreeing that cooperation on security matters was crucial for regional stability. Naqvi’s visit, marked by these discussions, highlights Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to foster strong diplomatic and security relationships, especially in a region that faces multiple challenges.

As the World Cup continues, this diplomatic engagement between Pakistan and Sri Lanka serves as a reminder of the broader connections that extend beyond sports, with both nations committed to fighting terrorism and promoting peace in the region.