Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, who is on an official visit to Sri Lanka, Monday called on Sri Lanka Armed Forces Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Air Chief Marshal Kolitha Gunathilake and commanders of Sri Lankan Army, Navy and Air Force.

A ceremonial guard of honour was also presented to the naval chief. According to a statement, the naval chief dilated upon matters of mutual interest and bilateral naval collaboration. Commander Sri Lankan Navy acknowledged the significance of close and strong bilateral naval association in diverse realms between Pakistan Navy and Sri Lankan Navy.

Vice Admiral Wijegunaratne thanked the naval chief for prompt and timely support during the devastated floods in Sri Lanka and highly appreciated professional acumen and commitment of Pakistan Navy personnel displayed during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.

Admiral Zakaullah said that prompt and timely help to Sri Lankan people was a display of Pakistan Navy’s unflinching resolve in support of a friendly nation in times of need, and added that the PN would go a long way in further cementing the bonds of friendship between the two nations.

During the meeting with Sri Lankan Army top brass, professional matters of mutual interest and bilateral defence came under discussion. Military dignitaries acknowledged warm and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka and highly appreciated the role and contributions of Pakistan to spearheading various initiatives for maintaining peace and stability in the region.

The naval chief also looked forward to further enhancing the interaction between both the countries in the diverse fields of training, mutual visits and defence collaboration.

Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah also attended a passing out parade as the chief guest and interacted with newly commissioned officers.

Earlier, the admiral was received by Sri Lankan Navy Commander Vice Admiral Ravindra C Wijegunaratne.

It is expected that the recent visit of the naval chief would bolster and expand defence ties between the two countries in general and armed forces in particular.