ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Friday said Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy excellent relations and there was strong political will on both sides to further develop and promote their bilateral relations.

The Prime Minister while talking to Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister for Irrigation and Water Management of Sri Lanka said there were vast opportunities for increasing the bilateral trade. He said both sides should make efforts to enhance the volume of the trade to achieve maximum benefits.

Nirmal is visiting Pakistan as special envoy of the President of Sri Lanka. Matters relating to bilateral relations were discussed.

Prime Minister said both sides should work towards concluding Comprehensive Economic Policy Agreement (CEPA) by 2016 and encourage the private sectors to invest in each other's economies.

He also stressed to make Free Trade Agreement between the two countries more conducive by increasing the volume of trade.

Prime Minister Sharif recalled his meetings with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa in New York and in Colombo and hoped that the Summit level contacts will help in further boosting the relations.

He also assured of continued support of Sri Lanka at International forums.

Prime Minister also extended an invitation to President Mahinda Rajapaksa to visit Pakistan.

Nimal Siripala De Silva, Minister for Irrigation and Water Management of Sri Lanka reciprocated the warm greetings of the PM and said that the relations between the two countries will further enhance due to keen interest of both the Pakistani and Sri Lankan leadership.

SOURCE: APP