CDS STRENGTHENS THE DEFENCE TIES WITH RUSSIA

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne undertook a two day official visit to Russia from 25th June to 26th June, following an invitation extended by the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, to attend the International Military-Technical Forum \"ARMY-2019\" held in Moscow from 25th to 30th June.

In the sidelines of the Forum, CDS had the opportunity to meet his Russian counterpart General of the Army Valery Gerasimov, the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Russian Federation and First Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation. Both officers discussed and recognized the importance of mutual cooperation in the defence sphere and avowed to continue and strengthen it further. The meeting resulted in bringing up the defence cooperation between two countries to greater new heights. General Gerasimov affirmed that the Russian Federation is looking forward to help Sri Lanka to fight the common enemy, the international terrorism in the region and other challenges for security.

CDS also had the opportunity to meet Director General of Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation Mr. Dimitry Evgenievich Shugaev to discuss and strengthen the cooperation in military technical sphere.

In the framework of the Forum, CDS also warmly greeted by the Colonel General Alexander Fomin, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation who expressed his solidarity with Sri Lanka in the fight against the international terrorism.

Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Russian Federation and Mr. Sugath Sisira Kumara, Senior Assistant Secretary at Ministry of Defence were also formed part of the Sri Lankan delegation and present at the high level bilateral meetings. \r\n\r\nAfter a brief successful visit to Russia with productive outcomes, CDS returned to the Island on 28th evening.

Photo courtesy: Embassy of Sri Lanka in Russian Federation