Sri Lanka, Pakistan to review progress of defence cooperation at bilateral dialogue

• The high-level bilateral dialogue will focus on assessing ongoing defence collaboration and exchanging views on matters of mutual interest

Sri Lanka and Pakistan are set to review the progress of their longstanding defence cooperation during the 6th Pakistan-Sri Lanka Armed Forces Defence Dialogue, which will be held at the Navy Headquarters in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte, on Friday (July 3), the Defence Ministry said.

The high-level bilateral dialogue will focus on assessing ongoing defence collaboration and exchanging views on matters of mutual interest, including regional security, military cooperation, training, and opportunities to further strengthen defence ties between the two countries.  

Ahead of the dialogue, Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Pakistan, Lieutenant General (Retd) Muhammad Ali, arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday (July 1) on an official visit to participate in the discussions.  

He was received at the Bandaranaike International Airport by Additional Secretary (Administration) of the Ministry of Defence Harsha Vithanaarachchi, senior officers of the Sri Lanka Air Force and the Sri Lanka Navy, and officials from the High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka.  

During his visit, Lieutenant General (Retd) Muhammad Ali is also scheduled to pay courtesy calls on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Retd) Aruna Jayasekara, and Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha.