Sri Lanka and Japan further strengthen bilateral ties through expansion in defense cooperation
The government of Sri Lanka and Japan have on Friday (26) signed an agreement to expand defense cooperation and exchange between the two countries in many areas, especially in maritime security.
Sri Lanka’s State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene and the visiting Japanese State Minister of Defense Kenji Harada had reportedly signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Ministry of Defense in Sri Lanka during a conference held between a Japanese delegation, led by the Japanese State Minister and a Sri Lankan delegation led by Minister Wijewardene.
According to the local media, the MoU will result in greater cooperation and understanding between Japan and Sri Lanka in the spheres of maritime security, naval cooperation, information and knowledge sharing, capacity building, dialogue, training, education and research, multi-lateral exchanges and etc.
The Japanese State Minister of Defense has expressed his sorrow and condolences to the victims and the families of the Easter Sunday bombings and has condemned such acts.
He has said Japan will continue to fight against terrorism together with Sri Lanka and the international community.
He has also stated that Japan would continue to develop defense cooperation and exchange with Sri Lanka.
The Japanese Minister has reportedly added that Japan would assist to enhance capabilities and promote cooperation and continue to improve capabilities pertaining to maritime security of coast guard nations in the Indo Pacific region which includes countries such as Sri Lanka.
According to reports, Minister Wijewardene had thanked his Japanese counterpart for his sympathies for the victims of the Easter Sunday bombings.
“We look forward for close cooperation between the two countries and that the sea lanes in the south of the country should be open and free and look forward for more exchanges with Japan in this regard,” he has stated.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka and Japan have enjoyed strong bilateral ties that are now being further strengthened through the MoU signed recently on defense cooperation, especially in the field of maritime security. Japan is a strong development partner of Sri Lanka and is among the top five donors of the country. The government of Sri Lanka pays much attention maritime security given the target making the island a maritime hub in the Indian Ocean region. The latest cooperation agreement between Sri Lanka and Japan will open up a host of business/investment opportunities for Japanese businesses/investors in Sri Lanka. Also, given the strong ties between the two countries, local businesses could venture into Japan and explore opportunities in forming business/investment partnerships with Japanese businesses/investors. Japanese businesses could also explore business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka in the country’s development programme since Japan is also a development partner.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/29072019/Z_6 |