NEWLY APPOINTED PAKISTAN HIGH COMMISSIONER CALLS ON CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF

The new High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka His Excellency Major General (R) Faheem Ul Aziz, HI (M) on his assumption of new office paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil in his office today morning (03 May 2024).

The High Commissioner who was ceremonially escorted to the premises was warmly received by Major General Asanga Perera Hdmc psc the Chief of Staff of Office of the Chief of Defence Staff (OCDS) and escorted to the CDS’s office.

General Shavendra Silva graciously welcomed His Excellency Major General (R) Faheem Ul Aziz, HI (M) and congratulated him for his appointment as the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka. During the affable dialogue, CDS recollected the strong bilateral relations maintained over the years and requested to continue the same in the future as well. Additionally, they delved into discussions regarding potential areas of collaboration, encompassing military training, joint exercises, and the exploration of potential strategic partnerships, all of which are crucial for both countries within the present defence dynamics.

Further, the CDS remembered with admiration and expressed gratitude for Pakistan's assistance to the Sri Lanka Army during the nation's most critical times, as Pakistan provided invaluable support by establishing tailor-made courses for Sri Lankan officer cadets to address the shortage in the army's officer cadre. Similarly, the CDS recalled with great respect that His Excellency the High Commissioner himself was also an instructor at the Pakistan Military Academy during that period.

The discussion extended beyond the defence sphere, with the CDS particularly emphasizing the potential benefits that Pakistani tourists can reap from the burgeoning health tourism industry and the advantages of utilizing indigenous medicines available in Sri Lanka.

Concluding the discussion, the High Commissioner expressed gratitude to the CDS for his commitment to maintaining strong defence ties. The new High Commissioner assured the continued strength of relations between the two nations, particularly in military affairs, while also pledging to address any future concerns.

The CDS presented a special memento to the visiting High Commissioner wishing him all the success in his future endeavours. In return, the High Commissioner also presented a memento to the CDS symbolising the sound bilateral relations.

Before leaving, the High Commissioner signed the Visitors’ Book to commemorate the occasion, marking the beginning of what promises to be a fruitful tenure in fostering cooperation between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.