Pakistan and Sri Lanka officials to improve bilateral ties to bring two navies closer
Top naval commanders of Pakistan and Sri Lanka have agreed to further strengthen defence cooperation with joint excercises and increased interaction.
Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne held successful meetings with top Pakistani military and civilian leadership on February 22.
He held three high-profile meetings with top Pakistan Naval Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi, Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Meeting with Pakistan Navy Chief
Pakistani and Sri Lankan navy chiefs discussed bilateral collaborations and the regional maritime security environment. Admiral Niazi highlighted Pakistan Navy initiatives for ensuring maritime security and peace in the region through Regional Maritime Security Patrols. The visiting admiral appreciated and acknowledged the Pakistan Navy’s efforts and commitments in support of collaborative maritime security in the region.
Meeting with Pakistan Army Chief
Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne met Pakistan Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and vowed to continue military cooperation between the two forces in defence, training and counterterrorism domains.
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security and the current Afghanistan situation were discussed. Gen Bajwa said “Pakistan wishes to enhance long-term multi-domain relations with Sri Lanka based on common interests.”
Meeting with President Alvi
President Dr Arif Alvi also met the Sri Lankan official and said that Pakistan highly values its relations with Sri Lanka and wants to further improve bilateral cooperation with Sri Lanka in all areas of mutual interests. He emphasized the need for increased cooperation in the areas of tourism, culture and defence between the two brotherly countries.
Meeting with PM Imran Khan
Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy also called on Prime Minister Imran Kahn. PM Khan stated that “Pakistan attaches immense importance to its relations with Sri Lanka as a reliable friend and partner.”
Fondly recalling his visit to Sri Lanka in February 2021, the Pakistani prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to comprehensively upgrade bilateral relations in all fields.
The Prime Minister added that “security and defence cooperation had been a key component of Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations and a factor of peace and stability in the region.”
Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne underlined the close cooperative ties between the two countries and expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s support at international and regional fora. He reaffirmed the commitment to work together for the promotion of shared goals.