Defence cooperation central to Pakistan’s relationship with Sri Lanka: Gen Raheel

Says both countries have shown resilience in fight against terrorism for bringing peace and stability in region

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif said on Sunday that defence and security cooperation was central to the special relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. 

According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement, he was speaking at a reception hosted for him in Colombo by the Quetta Alumni association, an effective body of a group of Sri Lankan military students trained in Pakistan.

“We will always stand with our brothers on their way to greater security and prosperity,” he said.

Paying rich tributes to the Sri Lankan armed forces for their resilience, professionalism and sacrifices in war against terrorism, the army chief said the country has fought a long war against terrorism and its model of counter insurgency and efforts for sustainable peace was a case study.

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“Pakistan and Srilanka have shown resilience in the fight against terrorism for bringing peace and stability in the region,” he said.

Regarding the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb, General Raheel said the aim of the operation was to bring enduring peace and stability in Pakistan and the region.

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“With the support of our nation, we have successfully dismantled their infrastructure and created significant effects,” he said. “We as a nation are determined to take this surge to its logical end, whatever it may take.”

Earlier, the army chief was received by Commander of the Sri Lankan army Lieutenant General AWJC De Silva.