ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Sri Lanka pledged on Monday stronger defence and security cooperation.

“Sri Lankan civil and military leadership vowed to enhance cooperation in multiple areas related to defence and security including training exchanges in higher security studies, peacekeeping operations, relief and disaster operations,” the Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement on the last day of Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif’s three-day trip to Colombo.

Gen Sharif, who had earlier held extensive meetings with Sri Lankan military commanders, held meetings with President Maithripala Siri­sena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Defence Minister Dinendra Ruwan Wijewardene, Defence Secre­tary Basnayake, Chief of Defence Services Gen J. Jayasuriya, and Commander Sri Lankan Air Force Air Marshal Gunatilleke before wrapping up his visit.

Army chief concludes three-day visit to Colombo

While meeting Gen Sharif, President Srisena appreciated Pakistan’s support in Sri Lanka’s fight against terrorism, and for partnering with them in regional and bilateral security.

Pakistan had played a major role in helping consolidate the integrity of Sri Lanka, Mr Sirisena was quoted as having said.

The Sri Lankan president termed Gen Sharif’s visit “very significant” for streng­thening strong military-to-military relationship.

Published in Dawn, June 9th, 2015

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