Sir: The newly-elected Sri Lankan president’s first visit to Pakistan was very important. Pakistan and Sri Lanka have been closely cooperating with each other in the past and both the countries maintain cordial ties. Despite the attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore, relations between both countries continue to be strong and cordial. The current regime in Pakistan is working hard to maintain close diplomatic ties with its regional neighbours. The visit of the Sri Lankan president at the invitation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Mamnoon Hussain, and the long awaited visit of the Chinese President later this month, show the efforts of the government towards improving the foreign relations of Pakistan. The trend should continue and Pakistan should play an important role in regional politics while maintaining healthy and balanced relations with all its neighbours. The current foreign policy is in the interests of Pakistan as the country is fighting extremism within its borders and sound relations with regional countries would support this.HAFSA KHALEDVia Email