Defence Minister concludes his official visit to Sri Lanka

Minister of Defence and National Security Hon. Mohamed Nazim has returned to Maldives after concluding his official visit to Sri Lanka.

This four day long visit from 17th to 20^th of this month was aimed at enhancing the long standing defence relations between the two countries and discuss on ways of obtaining further assistance from Sri Lanka for the development of MNDF.

During this visit, the Minister called on His Excellency Mahindha Rajapaksa, the President of Sri Lanka and shared views on further strengthening the defence and security relations between both countries. HE President Mahindha Rajapaksa said that Maldives would always remain as the closest friendly nation of Sri Lanka and he assured that he would facilitate any possible assistance from Sri Lanka for the military of Maldives.

The Minister also met with HE Gotabaya Rajapaksa – Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development, Chief of Defence Staff – Air Chief Marshal WDRMJ Gunathilaka, Navy Commander – Vice Admiral DWAS Disanayake, Army Commander – Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasooriya, Chief of National Intelligence – Major General (Retd) Kapila Hendawithrana and also Director General Coast Guard – Rear Admiral Ruwan Dias and discussed on enhancing the defence and military relationship between both countries, the ways of obtaining assistance from Sri Lanka for the development of MNDF and its human resources, joint military activities that would be conducted in future, actions to be taken to protect the maritime boundary shared between two countries and necessary counter measures to be taken against piracy. Moreover, the parties discussed on facilitating further training opportunities for MNDF soldiers. Defence Minister also met with the Minister of External Affairs of Sri Lanka, Professor GL Pieris and thanked for the assistance being provided for the development of Maldives.

During this visit, the Minister also met with the State of Kuwait Ambassador in Sri Lanka Ya’qub Yoosuf al-Atheeq and Republic of Korea Ambassador in Sri Lanka Jongmoon Choi and discussed on obtaining assistance from the respective countries for the development of Maldives specifically in the areas of disaster management including obtaining an early warning system for the Tetra system installed in Maldives.

During this visit, the Minister signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kotelawala Defence University, aimed at facilitating cooperation on training and education, and for MNDF personnel to obtain training and higher education. This MoU would provide the opportunity for MNDF personnel to obtain training and education at Degree, Masters and PhD levels.