Pakistan thanks Sri Lanka for helping clinch IMF deal

Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Monday expressed gratitude to Sri Lanka for supporting and helping Pakistan in reaching an agreement with International Monetary Fund (IMF).

During a telephonic conversation with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister acknowledged the role played by Sri Lanka as a friend and well-wisher of Pakistan.  

Shehba Sharif said: “Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka are close and reliable friends,” commending Sri Lanka's role for regional peace and prosperity.

Prime Minister expressed the confidence that Pakistan and Sri Lanka will soon come out of the vortex of current economic difficulties.

Reciprocating to the Prime Minister's sentiments of goodwill, the Sri Lankan President said: “Pakistan is our close friend and helping friends is friendship”.

Sri Lankan President appreciated Shehbaz Sharif's efforts in difficult situation and felicitated him on reaching an agreement with the IMF.

On the occasion of premier's meeting with Managing Director (IMF) IMF Kristalina Georgieva, the Sri Lankan President had stressed that the IMF should help Pakistan.

President Ranil had informed the MD IMF about the problems faced by Pakistan due to default and stressed that Pakistan should be saved from this situation.