President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived here Friday on a three-day state visit to Pakistan to further strengthen political, economic and defence ties between the two countries.

He was received at Chaklala Air Base by Senate Chairman Farooq H. Naek and Minister for States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) Eng. Shaukat Ullah and other officials.

The President of Sri Lanka is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of President Asif Ali Zardari and it will further strengthen special bonds of affinity that characterize relations between the two countries.

Formal welcome ceremony for the distinguished guest will be held at Aiwan-e-Sadr this afternoon when he arrive there to meet President Zardari.

During his visit, President Rajapaksha besides meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari will also meet Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani.

The talks between the two countries would cover political, defense, cultural, tourism, media, economic, business and trade relations. A number of bilateral agreements are also expected to be signed between the two sides.