Dubai: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with the President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Tuesday.

The meeting took place on the margins of the World Government Summit in Dubai. This was the first in-person interaction between the two leaders.

Recalling the historical linkages between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the two leaders agreed to build on the existing goodwill between the two countries.

Both sides discussed key aspects of the bilateral relations, especially in the areas of trade, defense and security, education, religious tourism and sports. They agreed to increasing high-level exchanges, and exploring new opportunities for enhanced cooperation.

The President of Sri Lanka appreciated the cordial and time tested relations between the two brotherly countries. He shared his fond memories of the 1996 cricket world cup final that was held in Lahore.

Regional and multilateral affairs, including reinvigoration of SAARC, were also discussed during the meeting.

Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif held a bilateral meeting with Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minster of the State of Kuwait on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2025 held in Dubai from February11-13, 2025.

Both the leaders reviewed the fraternal relations and expressed satisfaction on the positive momentum of bilateral ties. They reiterated their commitment for further expanding the bilateral cooperation and transforming the existing relations into mutually beneficial strong economic partnership.

Both the leaders exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including the situation in the Middle East and South Asia. Both the leaders emphasized immediate and full implementation of the ceasefire in Gaza and enhancing the pace of humanitarian assistance for the people of Palestine.