国际英语新闻:Sri Lanka and Pakistan discuss defense cooperation, regional security

COLOMBO, June 8 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, who is on a five-day official visit to Sri Lanka, met Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena here on Monday, and they discussed matters pertaining to defense cooperation between the two countries.

The Pakistani Army Chief and President Sirisena also discussed cooperation and collaboration between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on issues pertaining to regional security, and they emphasized the importance of working closely to ensure mutual interests in security activities, a government statement said here.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have a comprehensive and mutually beneficial military training collaboration and both countries have committed to work closely in all fields to boost cooperation and peace efforts in the region.

General Raheel Sharif arrived in Sri Lanka on Friday on the invitation of his Sri Lankan counterpart Lieutenant General A W J C De Silva. The five-day visit is his first visit to the Indian Ocean island.

During his visit, the Pakistani General is also expected to meet Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and the top leaders of Sri Lanka's armed forces.