Dec 14, Colombo: Pakistan's Acting President Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari on Thursday confirmed ratification of Agreement for Co-operation in the field of Media that was signed between the governments of Pakistan and Sri Lanka earlier this year.

The two countries signed the agreement on February 11, 2012 during the visit of the President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa to Pakistan. The Cabinet of Pakistan had approved the ratification of the Subject Protocol on June 26, 2012.

Following the request of Pakistan Foreign Affairs Ministry to the Prime Minister to forward the Instrument of Ratification for President's approval and affixation of his green seal, the Acting President Bokhari, on the advice of the Prime Minister, confirmed the ratification of the Agreement by affixing his seal.

The all-encompassing Memorandum of Understanding covers exchange of news stories, special programmes, important publications etc. to highlight the historical, cultural, social sports and literary aspects of life in the two friendly countries through television, Radio, News agencies and information establishments on mutually agreed terms.

The MoU also provides for the joint production of films on the topics of national and historical importance and to organize film exhibitions comprising on annual or biannual basis. The exchange of delegations and experts and training of Television, Radio and print journalists along with experts, media managers and trainees is also encouraged under the said MoU.

Sri Lanka and Pakistan, which enjoy friction-free cordial relations, have common perceptions on most of the regional and global issues and are working together in various international and regional forums for shared values and interests.