Pakistan-Sri Lanka Armed Forces Defence Dialogue concludes in Colombo

Colombo, July 03 (Daily Mirror) - The 6th Pakistan-Sri Lanka Armed Forces Defence Dialogue concluded today at the Navy Headquarters in the Defence Headquarters Complex in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.

The annual dialogue was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) and Pakistan's Defence Secretary, Lieutenant General (Retd) Muhammad Ali. Senior military officials and representatives from the defence ministries and armed forces of both countries also participated in the discussions.

During the dialogue, the two sides reviewed ongoing defence cooperation and explored opportunities to expand collaboration in several areas, including military-to-military engagement, training and professional military education, maritime security, counterterrorism, capacity building and regional security.

Addressing the opening session, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha appreciated Pakistan's continued support in enhancing the professional capabilities of the Sri Lanka Armed Forces and reaffirmed Sri Lanka's commitment to further strengthening defence ties for the mutual benefit of both countries and regional peace and stability.

He said the annual dialogue provides an important platform to review existing cooperation and identify new areas of collaboration, while also conveying the gratitude of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Government of Sri Lanka to the visiting Pakistani delegation.

Pakistan's Defence Secretary Muhammad Ali thanked the Sri Lankan Government for the warm hospitality extended to his delegation and reiterated Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening the longstanding defence partnership between the two countries.

Pakistan High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer, Additional Secretary (Defence), the Commanders of the Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force, the Army Chief of Staff, senior Defence Ministry officials, and tri-forces officers were also present at the event.