Senior Military leaders from Sri Lanka Navy & Air force and the US 7th Fleet is discussing to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries. These joint efforts will include humanitarian and civic assistance, as well as veterinary, medical, dental and civil engineering support.
Sixteen officials from Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force attended the bilateral meeting hosted by 7th Fleet, designed to share knowledge and discuss lessons learned within the Indo-Asia-Pacific. “I hope that we can have something constructive so that we can follow up for months and years to come,” said Director General Operation for Sri Lanka Navy Rear Adm. Dharmendra Wettewa, who attended the bilateral meeting.
USS Blue Ridge and the embarked 7th Fleet staff are in Sri Lanka conducting a port visit to build new ties and promote peace and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. 7th Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Joseph Aucoin envisions a stronger partnership with Sri Lanka. “We would like to come back and bring more of our Seventh Fleet ships to Colombo and to Sri Lanka,” Aucoin said. As the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet, 7th Fleet interacts with 35 other maritime nations to build maritime partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability and prevent conflict.
