President Maithripala Sirisena said we cannot forget the cooperation extended by the Pakistani Government towards the countries development and the support displayed during the civil war in relation to national security.

The president said Pakistan has always been a steadfast friend of Sri Lanka.

He made these observations speaking at the ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat this morning to welcome the Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Meanwhile, eight Agreements in the sectors of Science, technology and innovation cooperation, Scientific and technological cooperation, Health, Exchange of Financial intelligence related to money nlaundering, Culture, Trade, Statistics, Gem and Jewellery were signed between the two countries.