Sri Lanka and Kuwait have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations between the two states and exchange experiences in various fields.

The two countries have signed a cooperation protocol on Thursday to protect the rights and duties of Sri Lankan workers employed in the Kuwait.

Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Dilan Perera who is on a visit to Kuwait has signed the protocol with the Kuwait's Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Lt. Gen. Ahmad Abdulatif Al-Rujaib on Thursday.

In a press statement following signing of the protocol, Kuwaiti Minister Al-Rujaib has said that the "protocol affirms deep relations and continuous cooperation between Kuwait and Sri Lanka, as well as exchanging experiences in various work areas."

Speaking to the official news agency of Kuwait KUNA, Minister Perera has commended Kuwait for protecting the rights of expatriate workers, especially, Sri Lankan workers.

The protocol is aimed at strengthening existing relations between the two friendly countries.

Minister Perera, expressing Sri Lanka's desire to enhance bilateral relations with Kuwait on the basis of mutual interest, has invited the Kuwaiti Minister for an official visit to Sri Lanka.

He has also expressed Sri Lanka's interest in reinforcing cooperation and coordination in the fields of work and manpower.

There are about 120,000 Sri Lankans in Kuwait.