Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Friday said that Pakistan values its relations with Sri Lanka which were characterized by cordiality and friendship and desired to further deepen and broaden these ties through regular contacts and exchange of visits.

The Prime Minister expressed these views in a meeting with Sri Lanka's Minister for External Affairs Prof. G. L. Peiri and High Commissioner of Sri Lanka Air Chief Marshal (R) Jayalath Weerakkody who called on him here at the Prime Minister's Office, a press release said.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan deeply admired Sri Lanka's unremitting endeavours for promoting economic independence, human dignity and social justice for the people of Sri Lanka. He also appreciated Sri Lanka's commendable efforts in rehabilitation of the IDPs and reconstruction of the war-affected areas.

The Prime Minister said that Pakistan has always supported Sri Lanka in its endeavour to defeat terrorism and expressed Pakistan's commitment to continue extending support to Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council and UN Security Council.

The Prime Minister conveyed Pakistan's desire to deepen economic ties between the two countries and to conclude an early bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Sri Lanka.

He said it would help broadening and deepening of economic and commercial relations by including key elements of investment, services, customs cooperation and standardization.

The Prime Minister said both the countries should work together for frequent and easier people to people contacts by promoting tourism.(APP)