US Pacific Fleet Chief reaffirms support to fight terrorism

US Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Robert F. Willard in Sri Lanka as part of a regional trip to south Asia to meet his Naval counterparts called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday.

Admiral Willard reviewed ongoing maritime cooperation, including naval training and exchanges, between the United States and Sri Lanka. He met senior military officials.

He visited Trincomalee to discuss US-Sri Lankan cooperation against LTTE terrorism. Admiral Willard reaffirmed the support of the United States to Sri Lanka in defending against terrorist activity through cooperation on maritime security. He said improvements in human rights protection could lead to enhanced cooperation.