Sri Lanka and Afghanistan today held discussions to further promote and expand the political and economic relations between the two countries.

Visiting Afghanistan Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr. Zalmai Rassoul met Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris at the Foreign Ministry today (19).

An agreement on a wide range of cooperation that covers economic, education and scientific technology was signed following bilateral talks between the two ministers.

A Memorandum of understanding on cultural cooperation was also signed by the Minister of Culture and Arts, T. B. Ekanayake and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, Dr. Zalmai Rassoul.

Sri Lanka and Afghanistan share common ideals, as well as challenges, said the External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris. Among the challenges faced by the two countries was the defeating terrorism. While Sri Lanka faced the challenge of defeating LTTE, Afghanistan faced the problems caused by the Taliban fighters, Mr. Peiris further said.

At a news briefing in Colombo this morning, Prof. G.L. Peiris said that Sri Lanka will establish a mission in Kabul, Afghanistan with a view to strengthen diplomatic relationship with the people of Afghanistan.

The Afghanistan Foreign Affairs Minister congratulated the Government on the defeat of terrorism and said there were excellent relations between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in various spheres of common interest.

Dr. Zalmai Rassoul is the first Afghanistan Foreign Affairs Minister to visit Sri Lanka .