6th Pakistan – Sri Lanka Armed Forces Defence Dialogue Successfully Concludes

The 6^th Pakistan - Sri Lanka Armed Forces Defence Dialogue concluded successfully today (03 July) at the Navy Headquarters in the Defence Headquarters Complex, Sri Jayawardanepura, Kotte.

The dialogue was co-chaired by the Defence Secretary of Sri Lanka, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), and the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Lieutenant General (Retd) Muhammad Ali. Senior military officials and representatives from the Armed Forces and defence ministries of both countries participated in this dialogue.

The annual bilateral dialogue served as an important platform for reviewing existing defence cooperation and exploring new avenues for collaboration. During the discussions, both delegations exchanged views on a wide range of matters of mutual interest, including defence cooperation, military-to-military engagement, training and professional military education, maritime security, counterterrorism, capacity building and regional security.

Speaking at the opening session, Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) expressed appreciation for Pakistan's continued support in enhancing the professional capabilities of the Sri Lanka Armed Forces and reaffirmed Sri Lanka's commitment to strengthening defence ties for the mutual benefit of both nations and regional peace and stability. He noted that the Armed Forces Defence Dialogue serves as a valuable platform to review existing cooperation and explore new avenues for collaboration. The Defence Secretary also conveyed his gratitude to the Pakistani delegation on behalf of His Excellency the President and the Government of Sri Lanka.

Lieutenant General (Retd) Muhammad Ali also conveyed his appreciation to the Government of Sri Lanka for the warm hospitality extended to the Pakistani delegation and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening the longstanding defence partnership between the two friendly nations.

Pakistan High Commissioner H.E. Major General Nayyar Naseer (Retd), Additional Secretary (Defence), Commanders of the Navy and Air Force, Army Chief of Staff, Senior Defence Ministry officials, and senior tri forces officers were present at the occasion.