Islamabad: Pakistan and Sri Lanka have agreed to further expand their sports cooperation, terming it an effective means of promoting people-to-people contacts.

The understanding to this effect was reached during a meeting between Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar Advocate and Sri Lankan Deputy Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Sugath Thilakaratne, who called on him along with a delegation in Islamabad on Thursday.

The meeting discussed in detail the promotion of cricket, mutual cooperation in sports and bilateral relations.

Speaking on the occasion, Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan is making concerted efforts to promote sports diplomacy in the region. He said Pak-Sri Lanka relations are based on mutual trust, respect and shared values.

The Minister said cooperation in sports brings the younger generation closer and further strengthens the relations between the peoples.

He thanked the government and leadership of Sri Lanka for promoting sports cooperation.

The Minister said Sri Lankan Deputy Sports Minister's visit to Pakistan despite the ongoing budget session of their Parliament, is a clear manifestation of the long-standing and cordial ties between the two countries.

Attaullah Tarar expressed the hope that the visit will open new avenues in bilateral relations, especially in the field of sports and youth affairs.

On the occasion, the Sri Lankan delegation was highly appreciative of Pakistan's unflinching commitment to promote sports diplomacy and its warmest hospitality.

The delegation appreciated the foolproof arrangements made by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi for the Tri-Nation Series.