Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) met Russian Deputy Defence Minister Vasily Osmakov in Moscow on May 26 during an official visit to the Russian Federation.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Defence Secretary’s participation in the 1st International Forum on Security and the Annual Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues, scheduled from May 26 to 29 in Moscow.

During discussions, the two sides exchanged views on regional and global security challenges and reaffirmed the importance of continued cooperation between Sri Lanka and Russia in areas of mutual interest. Discussions focused on military-technical cooperation, capacity-building initiatives and opportunities to expand training exchanges between the two countries.

The officials also discussed matters related to former Sri Lankan military personnel currently serving in the Russian Federation.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Russia, Shobini Gunasekara, Counsellor Mihiravi Dissanayake and Counsellor (Defence) Air Commodore Dinesh Kasagala were also present at the meeting.