Pakistan-Sri Lanka underline strong defence ties

Sri Lankan Defence leadership has stressed the importance of maintaining existing strong military-to-military cooperation and expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s unstinted support in the past.

The following is the text of statement issued by Pakistan High Commission in Colombo after the five-day visit undertaken by General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Pakistan.

It was his maiden overseas visit after his appointment as CJCSC. He arrived in Sri Lanka on 9th Feb on special invitation of his counterpart General Shavendra Silva, and was accorded a red carpet reception and a traditional welcome upon his arrival at BIA.

During his stay, General Sahir called on the President of Sri Lanka, Secretary Defence, Chief of Defence Staff and Commanders of Sri Lankan Army, Navy and Air Force.

On arrival at the Office of Chief of Defence Staff, the Chairman was presented a Guard of Honor by a smartly turned-out contingent of Sri Lankan Armed Forces. During the meeting with CDS, both counterparts had a detailed discussion on enhancing defence cooperation between the two friendly armed forces.

On 10th Feb, he called on President and Defense hierarchy of Sri Lanka, and discussed the importance of continued close relations between the two friendly nations and pledged his fullest support to the Sri Lankan armed forces in various fields of defence cooperation.

Sri Lankan Defence leadership stressed the importance of maintaining existing strong military-to-military cooperation and expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s unstinted support in the past. Moreover, they also extended their gratitude for the extensive training avenues and facilities provided by Pakistan for the Sri Lankan military officers as well as support extended to the defence sector of Sri Lanka in terms of modern military equipment.

During his stay, he also visited Temple of the Tooth Relic, Nuwara Eliya, Galle and Mirissa.

This visit of Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M) is seen as a very important step towards furthering the bonds between the defence forces of both sides which the two countries already enjoy. Pakistan and Sri Lanka have continued to maintain strong, robust and reliable relations, through increased interaction at the highest levels and in the people-to-people domain. The Pakistani delegation was all praise for the hospitality and comfortable stay accorded to them during their visit by their host the CDS, Sri Lanka.