Sri Lanka seeks to strengthen defence cooperation with Thailand

State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene has stressed on the importance of strengthening defence cooperation with Thailand during an official visit to the Asian country.

The State Minister, who commenced a four-day official visit to Thailand from Monday upon an invitation extended by the Thai Government, met with Thai Minister of Defence General Pravit Wongsuwan at the City Hall of Defence on Tuesday, 9 October.

During the discussion, the Thai Minister of Defence expressed his gratitude to the State Minister for accepting the invitation and making the visit to his country. He also mentioned of the age old ties as both countries celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations. He much appreciated the warm hospitality extended by Sri Lanka during the Thai Prime Minister’s visit to the island in July this year. State Minister Wijewardene also thanked the Thai Government for the invitation to visit the country and also mentioned the historic cultural, religious and trade ties that span over centuries and also stressed the importance to strengthen defence cooperation between both countries.

Wijewardene highlighted Sri Lanka’s potential as a future maritime hub and its conducive geostrategic location in the region for international trade and transport. He also conveyed his best wishes to the host country as Thailand will take over the chair of the ASEAN in 2019.

The State Minister also visited several important places during his visit to the Thai Kingdom.

Wijewardene’s delegation includes State Ministry of Defence Secretary Sunil Samaraweera and several senior military officers.