Japan and Sri Lanka enter into MoU on Defence Cooperation and Exchange
July 26, 2019A memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation and Exchange was signed by the State Minister of Defence Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene and the Japanese State Minister of Defence Mr. Kenji Harada at the Ministry of Defence, today (26 July 2019).
Secretary to the Ministry of Defence General SHS Kottegoda (Rtd) WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc was also present at the occasion. The Secretary to the State Ministry of Defence Mr. NKGK Nemmawatta received the delegation upon their arrival at the Ministry.
The MoU was entered during a conference held between a Japanese delegation, led by the Japanese State Minister of Defence and a Sri Lankan delegation led by State Minister Wijewardene.
The MoU will see greater cooperation and understanding between Japan and Sri Lanka in the spheres of maritime security, naval cooperation, information and knowledge sharing, capacity building, dialogue, training, education and research, multi-lateral exchanges and etc.
Speaking at the occasion the Japanese State Minister of Defence Mr. Kenji Harada, expressing his sorrow and condolences to the victims and the families of the Easter Sunday bombings, said that Japan condemns such acts and will continue to fight against terrorism together with Sri Lanka and the international community. He also said that his country would continue to develop defence cooperation and exchange with Sri Lanka.
He further said that Japan would assist to enhance capabilities and promote cooperation and continue to improve capabilities pertaining to maritime security of coast guard nations in the Indo Pacific region which includes countries such as Sri Lanka.
State Minister Wijewardene thanked his Japanese counterpart for his sympathies for the victims of the Easter Sunday bombings. We look forward for close cooperation between the two countries and that the sea lanes in the south of the country should be open and free and look forward for more exchanges with Japan in this regard, he said.
He also expressed his gratitude to the Japanese Government for its assistance, especially to the Coast Guard and also thanked for the grant of two coast guard craft and training provided to coast guard personnel.
State Minister Wijewardene also said that the Easter Sunday bombings came as a surprise and Sri Lanka will work with other countries against terrorism. He thanked Japan for their continuous support.
Japanese Ambassador HE Mr. Akira Sugiyama, Chief of Defence Staff, Commanders of the Navy and Air Force, senior Ministry officials, Director General of the Coast Guard, officials of the Japanese embassy and senior tri forces officers were also present at the occasion.
