Article Posted on : - Aug 30, 2014

COLOMBO (PTI): Pakistan and Sri Lanka have discussed ways to increase military cooperation, including in the fields of technical training and professional expertise, during meetings between top defence officials of the two countries.

During talks with Sri Lankan air force chief Kolitha Gunatilleke, his Pakistani counterpart Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt offered to enhance ties.

Butt discussed ways of enhancing military cooperation with Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and other military leaders, the Pakistan High Commission said.

The Air Chief assured "sustained support and cooperation in the fields of technical training and professional expertise," the high commission said in a statement.

"During the meeting it was agreed to enhance the cooperation between the two Air Forces and new dimensions be given to already existing friendly relations," the statement said without giving further details.

"Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt assured his counterpart of sustained support and cooperation in the fields of technical training and professional expertise."

The Pakistan air chief also held meetings on "matters of professional interests" with Commander of the Sri Lankan army?Lt General Daya Ratnayake and Commander Sri Lankan Navy Vice Admiral Jayantha Perera.

Pakistan was a key supplier of weapons and ammunition to Sri Lanka's military in their fight against Tamil Tiger rebels who were crushed in a major offensive that ended in May 2009.

Pakistan also provided military aircraft in addition to other hardware.