Japan, Sri Lanka to further boost maritime security cooperation
Japan and Sri Lanka will further strengthen the maritime security cooperation between the two countries.
This was decided at the meeting between Japanese Defence Minister Mr. Itsunori Onodera and Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena.
The meeting also decided to give special attention towards strengthening the security and cooperation of Indian Ocean region while Japan will provide assistance to develop Sri Lanka’s maritime security.
This is the first time that a Japanese Defence Minister is visiting Sri Lanka, during which he will also visit Hambanthota and Trincomalee ports.
The Japanese minister is also scheduled to meet Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister and other leaders.
His visit assumes significance as Japan has begun playing an active role in the region.
Japan is contributing for several economic projects in Sri Lanka in a purported bid to remove its reliance on Chinese loans and investments.
The visit of defence minister also coincided with Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) ship ‘Ikazuchi’ arrival at the Port of Trincomalee yesterday.
