Russia and Sri Lanka discuss military cooperation

Top Defence officials from Russia and Sri Lanka have had talks on military cooperation and exchanging experience.

During the visit of the delegation from?Sri Lanka?Ministry of Defence headed by?Defence Secretary Gen. (Rtd.) Kamal Gunaratne to the International Military-Technical Forum “Army-2021” and International Army Games-2021, the delegation met the Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation Colonel General Alexander Fomin at the Main Directorate for International Military Cooperation in Moscow, the Foreign Ministry said today.

The parties discussed the ongoing progress of cooperation between Sri Lanka and Russia in the military and military-technical spheres, focusing on the matters related to military training, participation in international military exercises and events held on the territories of both countries, exchange of experience, and promoting cooperation and closer ties between Russian and Sri Lankan defence education establishments.

Whilst referring to the long-lasting friendship between the people and governments of the two countries and saluting the Russian nation for the continuous support rendered to Sri Lanka during the difficult periods in?history, Defence?Secretary?Gunaratne?thanked the Russian Ministry of Defence for extending the invitation for him and his delegation to attend the?Forum “Army-2021” and International?Army?Games-2021.

He acknowledged the high standards of the Forum, exhibition of Russian weapons and armaments and also the friendly atmosphere at the Games. He further assured participation of more number of personnel and in more number of events next year.

The meeting was held in a very friendly atmosphere and strengthened the friendship between the militaries of both countries.? At the end, the parties exchanged traditional mementos and gifts. (Colombo Gazette)