Russia, Sri Lanka to develop military cooperation
KUBINKA, Moscow region. June 26 (Interfax) - Russia's interest in the region matters to Sri Lanka, its Chief of the Defense Staff Ravindra Wijegunaratne told Russian counterpart Valery Gerasimov at talks on Wednesday.
"Your interest in the region is very important for us," Wijegunaratne said.
The two countries maintain "very close ties and relations. In future we will able to develop them further," he said.
He thanked Russia for support in the wake of terror attacks in Sri-Lanka. "On behalf of our people, I would like to thank you and your country for providing support," Wijegunaratne said.
The talks involved "substantive exchange of views on bilateral cooperation issues," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
"The sides noted the positive expansion dynamic in Russian-Sri Lankan military cooperation and outlined practical steps for further development. The meeting was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere," the statement said.