COLOMBO: Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Tuesday inked eight memoranda of understanding (MoU) on the sidelines of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's visit to Sri Lanka.
The MoUs and agreements for cooperation in fields of health, education, trade, science and technology, tourism, gem and jewelry were signed during delegation-level talks between the two countries.
The premier and his delegation were accorded a formal welcome at the Presidential Palace upon his arrival for a reception.
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena warmly received Nawaz Sharif, who was accompanied by his wife Kalsoom Nawaz, reported Radio Pakistan.
Speaking at the ceremony, PM Nawaz said his visit to Sri lanka "is a testimony to strong bonds of friendship between our two countries."
The premier said Pakistan is keen to follow its goal of increasing bilateral trade volume with Sri Lanka to $1 billion. Both countries will jointly work to curb money laundering, he said.
He said Pakistan is cooperating with Sri Lanka in the defence sector and the two countries will work together to choke financial assistance to terrorists.
Nawaz also invited the Sri Lankan president to visit Pakistan.