Pakistan and Sri Lanka have agreed to work together for regional peace and development.

The understanding came at a meeting between President Mamnoon Hussain and his Sri Lankan counterpart Maithripala Sirisena in Islamabad on Saturday.

They resolved to make South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation a more effective and vibrant forum.

The two sides discussed the entire gamut of bilateral relations and agreed to further bolster their trade relations through sea links.

In his remarks, President Mamnoon Hussain emphasized the need for greater people-to-people contacts between the two countries.

The Sri Lanka president said it is a matter of satisfaction that cooperation between the two countries, including in the field of defense is on the surge.

He acknowledged Pakistan's successes in the war on terror.

The visiting President also thanked the Pakistani side for awarding scholarships to Sri Lankan students and officers.

Later, Sri Lankan President left for home after a three-day visit to Pakistan. He was seen off by President Mamnoon Hussain.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has called for comprehensive measures to further promote relations between Colombo and Islamabad.

This he stated during a meeting with Governor Sindh Muhammad Zubair at Jinnah International Airport Karachi.

The Sri Lankan President said the people of his country respect Pakistani assistance and cooperation.    

The Sindh governor said people of the two countries are close to each other and increase in bilateral trade is need of the hour.    

The two sides also discussed exchange of trade delegations and others matters of mutual interest.