SL has an important role to play in maintaining peace and stability in the region- Pakistani Air Force Chief
February 10, 2020Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan said Sri Lanka had an important role to play in maintaining peace and stability in the region and pledged to support strengthening intelligence sharing.
'Pakistan and Sri Lanka share common threats and challenges due to terrorism which has become a global phenomenon', he said.
Visiting Chief of the Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Khan had also expressed Pakistan's assistance to counter drug trafficking and human smuggling activities when he met Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne at the Ministry, today (10).
While mentioning his fruitful discussions with the Prime Minister and the Tri Forces commanders, he said both countries had stood for each other during their difficult times and praised the country's post Easter Sunday measures that effectively contained the repetition of such an attack in the country.
Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. Gunaratne giving a brief explanation on the Humanitarian Operations said under the leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was the then Defence Secretary and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was the then President, the country was able to eradicate terrorism once and for all.
He also drew attention to the reintegration of over 12,000 ex- LTTE cadres under a successful comprehensive rehabilitation process that enabled them to reintegrate into the society to lead peaceful lives with their families.
Stressing the importance of combatting drug trafficking, Maj. Gen. Gunaratne said that Pakistan had one of the most effective intelligence capabilities which could also benefit Sri Lanka in the fight against illegal drug trafficking and human smuggling.
'It is a difficult task with the present prison system but we stand firm on our cause to get rid of the drug menace from our shores', he said underlying the importance that the present administration has given to this issue.
The Pakistani Air Force chief also pledged assistance to provide more training opportunities to Sri Lanka Air Force.
Maj. Gen. Gunaratne and Air Chief Marshal Khan exchanged mementos to signify the occasion.
Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan arrived in the country on Wednesday (05) on an official visit.
