ONBOARD RECEPTION IS HOSTED ON THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA NAVY'S SHIP 'KWANGGAETO THE GREAT'

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea hosts an on-board reception today morning (26 Oct 23) at the Colombo Harbour to mark the port call of the Republic of Korea Navy's (ROK Navy) flagship, the ROKS 'Kwanggaeto the Great'.

The visit of the ROKS 'Kwanggaeto the Great' is expected to facilitate the implementation of Korea’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and resume balanced Defence Cooperation with the South Asian partners of the Korean Government. This port call marked a special landmark as it was the first visit of a Korean Ship to Colombo Port in six years.

At the invitation extended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Her Excellency Miyon Lee, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil attended the grand reception where he received a warm welcome.

Thanking the Ambassador for the invitation extended General Shavendra Silva assured the continued bilateral defence cooperation between the two friendly nations. Speaking with the Commanding Officer of the visiting ship, the CDS congratulated the Commanding Officer and wished for the future operations of the ship. He also wished the crew of the ship successful careers in their respective service. During the interaction, General Shavendra Silva highlighted the importance of the Colombo Port and stated that visits of this nature give a good opportunity for the Sri Lanka Navy to expose themselves whilst sharing experiences. CDS further stated that he believes more Korean Naval ships will arrive in Sri Lanka in the near future.

The on-board reception was also attended by Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Hon Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Hon Tharaka Balasuriya, a number of diplomats, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Defence Attaché of Korea in Sri Lanka, and a number of distinguished invitees.