President Mahinda Rajapaksa held bilateral talks with the Pakistani Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on the sidelines of Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit in Kuwait yesterday.

Prime Minister Ashraf has told the President that Pakistan desires to further deepen economic ties between the two countries and wishes to cooperate with Sri Lanka in all spheres including trade, education, health and culture.

The Pakistani PM has also expressed the hope that the modalities for utilization of US$ 200 million credit line will be finalized soon.

President Rajapaksa has said that Sri Lanka values Pakistan's support and hoped that Pakistani private sector would invest in Sri Lanka more after the restoration of peace in the island.

Sri Lanka expects Pakistani investors to establish manufacturing units in the Pharmaceutical Zone in Kurunegala and in the tourist industry. (niz)