The Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to Sri Lanka dominated news on Thursday, but not necessarily for the right reasons. The reports of his address to the Parliament being cancelled overshadowed the rest of his itinerary. It must be remembered that even with this change, the PM will be meeting both the President and Prime Minister, alongside the business community of the island state.

The Pakistani Prime Minister’s visit to Sri Lanka is important because Sri Lanka is a key regional partner and with Indian designs for hegemony Pakistan’s relationship with South Asian nations is ever more important. Let it not be forgotten that Pakistan and Sri Lanka have firm brotherly ties and both countries have defeated the menace of terrorism and sacrificed much for peace.

The bonds between the two countries run deep and direct flights between the two were also established which have been suspended post Covid. These must be resumed. Pakistan and Sri Lanka also benefit from a shared affinity for cricket, among other things. The Prime Minister enjoys international renown as a sportsman, and this too will no doubt afford him an extremely warm welcome in Columbo. Regional stability depends on well-meaning and upright nations such as Sri Lanka and Pakistan forming a bulwark against malicious designs. For the prosperity of both peoples, the leaderships must work together to walk in step.

This two-day visit must be a charm offensive, while also bringing us opportunities for partnership, as well as greater people-to-people ties and tourism exchanges between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Prime Minister Imran Khan must mirror the success he has had on previous foreign outings.