U.S. And Sri Lanka Sign MOU on Defense Partnership

COLOMBO (News 1st); In a significant step toward enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, the United States and Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Ministry of Defence, marking a new era in Defence Partnership.

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung and Brigadier General Trenton Gibson, Adjutant General of the Montana National Guard, signed on behalf of the U.S. Government, while Secretary of Defence, Retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha signed on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka.

With this MOU, Sri Lanka has formally joined the global network of 115 nations partnered with U.S. state National Guards under the State Partnership Program.

The partnership will enhance interoperability through joint training, maritime cooperation to counter trafficking and illicit migration, crisis response and humanitarian assistance, aviation operations, and strengthened military - civilian disaster preparedness.

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung underscored the importance of the US–Sri Lanka defence cooperation in her remarks and emphasized the deep and enduring friendship between the two nations, highlighting the significance of continued defence cooperation and mutual understanding. 

She acknowledged the longstanding partnership built on shared values, expressing confidence that the renewed commitments would allow shared training and learning opportunities.