State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon engaged in fruitful discussions with Maldives Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon during an official visit to the Maldives.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Defence in Maldives, marked a pivotal moment in strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
Minister Ghassan expressed gratitude towards State Minister Tennakoon and the accompanying delegation for their visit, acknowledging the unwavering support and training assistance extended by the Sri Lankan government and armed forces to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
Highlighting the significance of defence cooperation, Minister Ghassan emphasized the crucial role played by collaborative efforts in ensuring regional peace and stability. He underscored the enduring relationship between Maldives and Sri Lanka, stressing the need for continued partnership in addressing common challenges.
In response, Minister Tennakoon conveyed appreciation for the invitation extended by the Maldivian Defence Minister, reaffirming Sri Lanka's commitment to supporting the MNDF through training and military education initiatives. He disclosed President Ranil Wickremasinghe's directives to bolster training engagements with Maldives and address the evolving requirements of the MNDF.
Furthermore, Minister Tennakoon underscored the importance of collective action in addressing pressing issues such as climate change, environmental security, violent extremism, illicit trafficking, and humanitarian crises. He also shed light on the regional dynamics, including the implications of ongoing conflicts in the Indian Ocean region.
Both Ministers reiterated their dedication to enhancing defence cooperation, fostering bilateral relations, and exploring new avenues for collaboration. The discussions focused on strengthening existing engagements and aligning efforts towards achieving greater peace, stability, and security in the region.
The State Minister was accompanied by a distinguished delegation, including Major General Sumith Nandana, Director General Training Sri Lanka Army, Maxwell Keegel, Director at the Foreign Secretary’s Bureau in Maldives, Colonel Hussain Ibrahim, Principal Director of the Department of International Defence Cooperation and Policy in Maldives, Colonel Hassan Bushree, Military Secretary at the Ministry of Defence in Maldives, Colonel Hassan Amir, Defence Advisor of Maldives in Sri Lanka, and Wing Commander Chaminda Ranasinghe from the State Ministry of Defence in Sri Lanka.
The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides expressing optimism about the future of defence cooperation and mutual collaboration between Maldives and Sri Lanka.
