Commander of United States Pacific Air Forces Calls on Defence Secretary

Commander of the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), General Kevin B. Schneider, paid a courtesy call on the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence today (23 June).

The Defence Secretary warmly welcomed General Schneider and, during the cordial discussion, expressed his appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the United States. He conveyed his gratitude for the continued assistance and valuable contributions extended by the United States towards Sri Lanka's development, security, and defence sectors.

The Defence Secretary further noted that Sri Lanka highly values its defence relations with the United States and looks forward to further strengthening cooperation through enhanced engagement, professional exchanges, and capacity-building initiatives.

During the cordial discussions, both parties exchanged views on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and explored opportunities for future collaboration in the space domain, recognising emerging prospects for cooperation in technological and strategic areas of mutual interest.

The meeting was also attended by the United States Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Colonel Matthew House.