Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday reached Sri Lanka on a two-day visit to the country at the invitation of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. This is the first state visit of Khan to the country after becoming Pakistan’s prime minister.

Khan was received by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapksa at Colombo airport where he also accorded a guard of honor. A high-level delegation of senior officials, including Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi  is also accompanying Khan in his trip. 

During his visit, he will hold meetings with Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to enhance the bilateral ties. Trade, investment, health, education, agriculture, science and technology, defense, and culture tourism will be discussed in the bilateral exchanges. 

Khan will also take part in a Trade and Investment Conference. A number of agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation will be signed during the visit. 
Khan was earlier expected to address the Sri Lankan parliament but the Sri Lankan government last week decided to drop the idea. The plan was opposed by a faction of the Sri Lankan government, saying the move could have antagonized Inia. 

The visit, though long overdue, also came at a time when ties between India and Sri Lanka are somewhat strained over the cancellation of Colombo’s port deal.