Russia pledges to enhance defence ties with Sri Lanka
January 16, 2020· Revitalized defence cooperation through mutual agreement.
Russian Government, which commended the on-going military operations to handle security issues in the country, has agreed to enhance defence and counter-terrorism cooperation between two countries.
Russia has also pledged to provide arms and equipment which are necessary to improve the military capacity of the Sri Lankan military.
“I expressed satisfaction with the military operations going on to tackle security issues in the country and Russia stands ready to provide the arms and equipment that the Sri Lanka army needs to improve its defence capacity,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Foreign Minister Lavrov expressing his pleasure on the supportive measures shared in foreign relations also recalled on the long existing ties between both countries, especially in the areas of law enforcement and defence during a join media briefing held in Colombo during his meeting with Sri Lankan counterpart Minister Dinesh Gunawardene
The 42 member delegation led by Minister Lavrovon arrived in the country on Monday (January 13) had discussed on areas such as defence, politics, commerce, science and technology.
Both parties agreed to enhance the counter-terrorism cooperation through defence coordination while upholding the military cooperation agreement signed in the recent past.
Highlighting the emerging focus on the Indian Ocean region, both parties discussed the significance of maintaining its security and stability to enhance dynamic international trade in the future.
During the discussions, in which both ministers spelled out the programs under bilateral defence cooperation, Minister Gunawardena said both countries have recognised the threats posed by terrorism, violent extremism, illicit drug trafficking and other transnational organised crimes to national, regional and international security and agreed to continue our cooperation to pursue shared solutions and exchange best practices.
The Russian Foreign Minister invited President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for an official visit to their country.
State Minister Susil Premajayantha, Foreign Relations Secratary Ravinatha Ariyasinghe and Defense Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne were also present on the occasion.