Japan keen to strengthen security cooperation with SL

The visit of the Japanese Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera has drawn attention to the need for further strengthening maritime security cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka.

This was the main focus at a meeting between the Japanese Defence Minister and President Maithripala Sirisena held at the presidential secretariat today.

The Japanese Minister was warmly welcomed by the President and at the meeting the progress on the agreements entered into during the President's recent visit to Japan was also reviewed.

Resulting from the discussions between President Maithripala Sirisena and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the Japanese Government provided two patrol boats costing some Rs.1.8 billion to the Sri Lankan Cost Guards. The President expressed his gratitude to Minister Onodera. and said he was happy to learn that he would be visiting the Hambantota and Trincomalee ports.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said the official visit of Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera to Sri Lanka was a significant development in further strengthening defence, trade, diplomatic and cultural ties between the two countries.

He told reporters that this first official visit by a Japanese Defense Minister to Sri Lanka augurs well for the unity government.

“The government led by President Maithripala Sirisena does not have enemies in the global community but only friends,” the minister said.