ISLAMABAD - Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force, visited Sri Lanka yesterday and held series of meetings with the civil and military leadership.
According to PAF spokesperson, the Air Chief called on President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena and conveyed the best wishes from Prime Minister and people of Pakistan.
He also highlighted the deep rooted friendly relations between the two countries and offered all-out cooperation in aviation and defence related fields.
The Sri Lankan President acknowledged Pakistan’s unwavering support to Sri Lanka and lauded the Pakistan armed forces in general and Pakistan Air Force in particular for their unmatched resolve in fighting the menace of terrorism.
Earlier, the Air Chief also called on the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe in his office.
The Air Chief assured of sustained support and cooperation in the fields of technical training and professional expertise.
He also reiterated to cement the existing friendly relations and taking it to further heights.
The Sri Lankan Prime Minister appreciated the PAF’s sound professionalism and expressed his desire to learn from each other’s experiences.
Earlier in the day, the Air Chief visited the SLAF Headquarters. On his arrival, he was presented with Guard of Honour.
He called on Air Marshal Gagan Pulasthi Bulathsinghala, Commander Sri Lanka Air Force.
Both the dignitaries remained together for some time and discussed the matters of mutual interest.
The Air Chief offered to provide training assistance and cooperation in various aviation related areas to the Sri Lanka Air Force.
The Air Chief also called on A.P.G Kithsiri, State Secretary of Defence, Ruwan Wijewardene, State Minister of Defence, Lieutenant General A W J C De Silva, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, and Vice Admiral R C Wijegunaratne, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, at their respective services headquarters.
The Air Chief was accorded very warm welcome by the Sri Lanka military leadership. Smartly turned out contingents presented Guard of Honour on his arrival at the respective headquarters of Sri Lanka Defence Services.
The Air Chief’s meetings with Sri Lankan military leadership were productive and held in cordial atmosphere. Bilateral matters pertaining to mutual professional interest came under discussion.
The Air Chief is on a two-day official visit to Sri Lanka on the special invitation of Sri Lanka Air Force.