Lt Gen (Retired) Hamood Uz Zaman Khan, Defence Secretary of Pakistan, who was in Sri Lanka for 4th Pakistan - Sri Lanka Defence Dialogue scheduled from 3-4 Jan 24, called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat. President Wickremesinghe warmly welcomed the Pakistan’s Defence Secretary and engaged in a discussion on regional security and strengthening bilateral Defence Relations. The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Defence, Senior Adviser to the President on National Security, and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka, as well as Secretary of the Ministry of Defence General Kamal Gunaratne (Retired). Earlier, Pakistan’s Secretary Defence along with senior military officials participated in the fourth Pakistan- Sri Lanka Defence Dialogue which were successfully held at the Defence Headquarters Complex in Colombo Sri Lanka on 3rd Jan 24. The Pakistani Delegation was led by Lt Gen (Retd) Hamood u Zaman Khan Secretary Defence of Pakistan while the Sri Lankan Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne led the host delegation at the high level talks. Both sides delved into the progress of the decisions made at the last defence dialogue and discussed on ways to resolve outstanding issues. Deliberations were focused on increasing defence collaboration including training exchange programes, bilateral defence exercises, mutual security concerns, enhancing maritime cooperation and the exchange of military technological expertise. The Pakistan-Sri Lanka Defence Dialogue has been a significant platform for fostering and solidifying the strong ties between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Rooted in historical, cultural and diplomatic affinities, this dialogue has evolved into a cornerstone of the strategic partnership between both countries.
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