ISLAMABAD, Feb. 8 (Xinhuanet) -- Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf here Tuesday met with his Sri Lankan counterpart Mrs. Chandrika Kumaratunga and the two leaders discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional issues,according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.

    During the meeting, Musharraf said the two countries enjoy excellent relations marked by cooperation in political and economic fields and that there is an upward trend in various areasof bilateral cooperation.

    Mrs. Kumaratung, who arrived in Islamabad Monday on a three-dayvisit, said Colombo greatly values its friendship with Pakistan, akey country in the region, which has been playing an important role in fostering close cooperation among South Asian nations.

    Mrs. Kumaratunga also appreciated the assistance of Pakistan extended to her country in the aftermath of the Dec. 26 tsunami disaster last year, which has claimed over 200,000 lives in Asia.

    Musharraf said Pakistan stood with Sri Lanka in their hour of difficulty and the people of Pakistan joined the government in itsefforts to provide relief to the disaster-hit island.

    The two leaders also exchanged views on the South Asian Alliance for Regional Cooperation established in 1985 and both sides agreed to work for promoting cooperation among the member states. Enditem