Chinese defence delegation praises SLN:
Professionalism in counter maritime terrorism
A six-member Chinese defence delegation headed by Major General Qian
Lihua of the Ministry of National Defence of the People's Republic of
China called on the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral
Somathilake Dissanayake at the Naval Headquarters in Colombo, Thursday.
They were accompanied by the Ambassador for People's Republic of
China in Sri Lanka Yang Xiuping.
The delegation held cordial discussions on matters of bilateral
relevance and mutual interests with the Commander of Navy. Mementos were
also exchanged as a gesture of goodwill to mark the occasion.
During the discussions, Major General Lihua expressed their
willingness to provide assistance for professional training, conduct of
joint exercises and surveillance operations.
He commended the professionalism displayed by SLN in its counter
maritime terrorism operations and expressed his admiration at the SLN's
achievements in asymmetric warfare with the innovations made in small
boat constructions and their operations.
Navy Commander Vice Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake said that the two
countries share excellent relations and have close economic and cultural
ties spanning several centuries. Cooperation and assistance extended by
China, the Commander added, has helped Sri Lanka in a significant way to
achieve peace and economic stability.
Generous facility offered by China to provide advanced naval training
at its prestigious naval establishments has made significant
contribution to the professional improvement of SLN personnel, the
Commander further noted.
The Chinese delegation comprised Senior Colonel Xu Hui, Director
General of Translation Section, Defence Studies College, National
Defence University, Senior Colonel Zong Jiahu, Deputy Director General,
Arms Control and Military Assistance Bureau, Ministry of National
Defence, Colonel Tian Feng, Deputy Director Quarter Master and Equipment
Research Institute, General Armament Department, Colonel Guo Hongtao,
Staff Officer, Asian Affairs Bureau, Ministry of National Defence and
Colonal Chang Jinfu, Deputy Chief of Staff, 6th Armour Division, Beijing
Military Area Command.
The Head of the delegation Major General Qian Lihua before his
present appointment has served as Deputy Director General and Director
General of General Planning Bureau, Ministry of National Defence and
Deputy Chief of Foreign Affairs Office. |