Colombo, July 31 (ANI): Hailing India's cooperation in the political and economic sphere, Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Rohita Bolagana today lauded India's role in providing security in the Indian Ocean.

Addressing the press after the bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Bolagana said: "We share our strengths and areas with India, we want greater security in the Indian Ocean for which we are grateful to India"

He said that Sri Lanka is looking to have greater stability and democracy in the country in which India can play a crucial role.

India has also reinforced its commitment in securing the mighty Indian Ocean, which geographically and politically separates the two countries, Bolagana added.

Mukherjee said that Indian Ocean doesn't separate us but it binds us together to ensure that it remains the zone of peace.

Both leaders also appreciated the success of free trade agreement between the two countries.

"We are going deeper and deeper that is the demand of economic situation," said Mukherjee.

Bolagana said, " We have common areas of interest on economic front in addition to the free trade and Sri Lanka is benefited immensely by that. (ANI)