Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga arrived late on Monday for talks on bilateral and regional matters, officials said. During her three-day stay, she will meet President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, foreign ministry spokesman Masood Khan said. Their discussions would focus on "bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual concern. Matters relating to the seven-nation South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (Saarc) will also be discussed," he said.

The two sides are expected to sign a protocol on free trade and an agreement on exemption to students from visa fees, Khan said.

A memorandum of understanding for technical assistance in gems and jewellery and co-operation in agriculture will be inked during her visit, along with an agreement on 10 million dollars credit facility to Sri Lanka, he said.

Kumaratunga is also expected to meet business leaders.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2005