ISLAMABAD - President Mamnoon Hussain has said that Sri Lanka is the closest friend of Pakistan and stressed the need to further enhancement of trade relations between the two countries. 

The President said this while talking to the High Commissioner-designate of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Maj. Gen. (Redt) Shahid Ahmed Hashmat who called on him at the Aiwan-e-sadr on Tuesday. 

The President emphasised that maximum cooperation must be extended to Sri Lanka in the field of investment and Sri Lankan investors should be encouraged to invest in Pakistan so that relations between the both countries can be further strengthened.  

He underlined that followers of all religions enjoy complete freedom in Pakistan; therefore, attention should be paid on promoting religious tourism between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.  

The President stated that Buddhist tourists are being provided all possible facilities to promote this sector. 

The President highlighted that opportunities for quality education are available in Pakistan from which Sri Lankan students can avail maximum benefit.