ISLAMABAD(National times)- High Commissioner of Sri Lanka Rear Admiral (Retd) Fre Seneviratne, called on Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Monday. The Minister appreciated the longstanding friendship between Pakistan-Sri Lanka, said a press release issued. He stated that considering the proximity of views on major issues and in the regional context, both countries need to further cement existing ties by capitalizing on the positive trajectory of multifaceted relations, the press release said. The Minister highlighted that Pakistan considers Sri Lanka as an important regional country, contributing significantly towards regional and global peace, and also expressed that Pakistan respects and supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka. “The Sri Lankan High Commissioner expressed his deep gratitude for the timely humanitarian assistance and support provided by the Government of Pakistan. Visiting dignitary praised the professionalism of Pak Armed Forces, acknowledging their achievements in counter-terrorism. Both sides expressed satisfaction over ongoing collaboration between two countries and aimed at strengthening the cooperation in mutually beneficial fields.