Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif telephoned President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday and emphasized the need to work together to fight poverty and promote economic growth and development for benefit of entire region. 

The Prime Minister also expressed his desire to promote peace and enhance connectivity through regional cooperation.

The two leaders fondly recalled the close and cordial relations and immense goodwill between the peoples of the two countries.

Both the sides agreed to continue the long-standing cooperation in areas of mutual interest and further strengthen bilateral ties.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the Sri lankan President for supporting and helping Pakistan in reaching an agreement with International Monetary Fund.

He acknowledged the role played by Srilanka as a friend and well wisher of Pakistan.  

The Prime Minister said both Pakistan and Srilanka are close and reliable friends. He commended Srilanka's role for regional peace and prosperity.

Reciprocating to the Prime Minister's sentiments of goodwill, the Srilankan President said Pakistan is our close friend and helping friends is friendship.

The Sri Lankan President appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's efforts in difficult situation and felicitated him on reaching an agreement with the IMF.