Naval chief meets Sri Lankan PM in Colombo

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, who is on an official visit to Sri Lanka, called on Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Defence Secretary Major General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne and top military hierarchy.

In separate meetings with Sri Lankan Prime Minister and defence secretary matters related to regional security, stability and mutual interest were discussed. Both sides acknowledged friendly relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, based on strong historical bonds.

The dignitaries highly appreciated the role and contributions of Pakistan in spearheading various initiatives for maintaining peace and stability in the region. Upon his arrival at Naval, Army and Air Force Headquarters in Colombo, the Admiral was warmly received by respective Services Commanders and presented Guard of Honour on the occasions.

The Naval Chief also called on Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva and Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Sumangala Dias. During the meetings, matters related to maritime security and bilateral defence collaboration were discussed.

The Naval Chief emphasized upon Pakistan Navy’s focused efforts to combat Maritime terrorism including piracy and drug trafficking etc. and various peace initiatives including Regional Maritime Security Patrol (RMSP).

The dignitaries appreciated Pakistan Navy’s role in support of maritime security and agreed on further enhancing the interaction in diverse fields of military collaboration. While acknowledging the significance of strong bilateral cooperation in diverse realms, the dignitaries agreed to further enhance mutual interactions in varied military domains.

The Admiral also visited Commander Southern Naval Area Rear Admiral Kassapa Paul, Commander Eastern Naval Area Rear Admiral Meril Wickramasinghe and Naval Dockyard where he was given briefings on various aspects of the operational activities of the commands.

The Naval Chief lauded the professionalism and commendable work undertaken in various naval areas. It is expected that current visit of Chief of the Naval Staff would greatly augment the bilateral cooperation between both the countries in general and the two navies in particular, the spokesman of Pakistan Navy said.