RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Raheel Sharif said aim of the ongoing operation Zarb-i-Azb was to bring enduring peace and stability in Pakistan and the region.

Speaking at a reception hosted in Colombo, Sri Lanka for him by Quetta Alumni Association — an effective body of large group of Sri Lankan military students trained in Pakistan — he said with the support of our nation we had successfully dismantled terrorists' infrastructure and created significant effects.

“We as a nation are determined to take this surge to its logical end, whatever it may take,” he added.

The army chief said that relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was special and defence and security cooperation had been central to this relationship.

“We will always stand with our brothers on their way to greater security and prosperity,” said an ISPR press release issued here.

Paying tributes to Sri Lankan armed forces for their resilience, professionalism and sacrifices in war against terrorism, the General Raheel said Sri Lanka fought a long war against terrorism and its model of counter insurgency and later efforts for sustainable peace were text book case study.

General Raheel Sharif said that States which suffered from internal conflict collapsed because their institutions, particularly Armed forces were unable to sustain.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka had shown resilience in fight against terrorism for bringing peace and stability in the region.

Read: General Raheel Sharif arrives for 4-day visit to Sri Lanka

Earlier on arrival, the COAS was received by Lieutenant General A W J C De Silva, Commander of Sri Lanka Army.

General Raheel Sharif discussed with the Sri Lankan army chief matters of professional interest and ways and means of enhancing bilateral defence ties with particular reference to mutually benefiting from each other’s experience in fighting terrorism.

General De Silva praised Pakistan army for its professionalism and successes in Operation Zarb-i-Azb against terrorism.

General De Silva thanked General Raheel sharif for timely and much needed support during Koslandawatta – Meeriyabedda devastating mudslide in Budhala, Sri Lanka last year.

General Raheel Sharif also called on Vice Admiral Perera, Commander Sri Lanka navy at Naval Headquarters on matters of mutual interest.