Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Wednesday telephoned Ratnasiri Wickremanayake, the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and congratulated him on his nomination. The prime minister said Pakistan and Sri Lanka enjoy close historic relations as members of SAARC and the two countries have helped each other in difficult times.

The prime minister hoped the relations between the two countries will strengthen further during days ahead.

Emphasising on the need of enhancing trade and investment between the two countries, the prime minister said this will contribute to development and prosperity in the two countries.

He said the two countries should help each other in sharing the best practices for mutual benefits.

Copyright Associated Press of Pakistan, 2005