General Raheel Sharif, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), who is on a three-day official visit to Sri Lanka held extensive meetings with the civil and military leadership of Sri Lanka on Monday.
According to an ISPR press release earlier in the day, the COAS called on Maithripala Sirisena, the President of Sri Lanka.During his meeting with the COAS, President Maithripala thanked the people and armed forces of Pakistan for their unwavering support in their fight against terrorism and partnering them in regional and bilateral security. Pakistan had played a substantial role in helping consolidate the integrity of Sri Lanka, he said.
Maithripala Sirisena termed General Raheel Sharif’s visit very significant for further strengthening the already-existing strong relationship between both the militaries. The president of Sri Lanka appreciated Pakistan Army’s momentous achievements in the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb and sacrifices for regional peace and stability.
The COAS expressed his appreciation for the Sri Lankan government, people and security forces in fighting the menace of terrorism and progress made thereafter.Later, the COAS also held separate meetings with Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe, Dinendra Ruwan Wijewardene, State Minister for Defence and B M U D Basnayake, Secretary of Defence, General J Jayasuriya, Chief of Defence Services, Sri Lanka Armed Forces, and Air Marshal K A Gunatilleke, Commander Sri Lanka Air Force.
During these meetings, the 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.
June 09 , 2015
Source : https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/12953-coas-meets-lankan-civil-military-leaders
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