Pakistan, Sri Lanka Reaffirm Commitment to Enhanced Defence Cooperation at 6th Armed Forces Dialogue
Colombo, The Gulf Observer: The 6th Pakistan-Sri Lanka Armed Forces Defence Dialogue concluded at the Navy Headquarters in the Defence Headquarters Complex in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and expanding collaboration in key security sectors.
The annual dialogue was co-chaired by Sri Lanka’s 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 meeting, both sides reviewed the progress of ongoing defence cooperation and explored new avenues for collaboration in military-to-military engagement, training and professional military education, maritime security, counterterrorism, capacity building, and regional security.
Addressing the opening session, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha commended Pakistan’s continued support in enhancing the professional capabilities of the Sri Lanka Armed Forces. He reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening defence ties with Pakistan for the mutual benefit of both nations and in support of regional peace and stability.
He noted that the annual dialogue serves as an important platform to assess existing cooperation and identify new areas of partnership. The Defence Secretary also conveyed the gratitude of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Government of Sri Lanka to the visiting Pakistani delegation.
Pakistan’s Defence Secretary, Lieutenant General (Retd) Muhammad Ali, thanked the Government of Sri Lanka for the warm hospitality extended to his delegation and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening the longstanding defence partnership between the two countries.
The dialogue was attended by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Major General (Retd) Nayyar Naseer, Sri Lanka’s Additional Secretary (Defence), the Commanders of the Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force, the Army Chief of Staff, senior Defence Ministry officials, and officers representing the tri-services.
The successful conclusion of the dialogue underscored the shared commitment of Pakistan and Sri Lanka to enhancing defence cooperation and promoting regional security through sustained military engagement and strategic collaboration.
