Japan, Sri Lanka agree to boost defence cooperation in Tokyo talks

Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi held talks with Sri Lanka’s Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara in Tokyo, where the two sides agreed to strengthen defence cooperation, Japan’s Ministry of Defence said.

According to an official statement, the meeting highlighted Sri Lanka’s strategic importance in ensuring maritime security and advancing the Free and Open Indo-Pacific vision, Caliber.Az reports.

The officials also exchanged views on regional developments, including the situation in the Middle East, and discussed expanding joint activities. These include port visits such as the Japanese destroyer JS Onami calling at Colombo, as well as the organisation of joint exercises.

The statement added that both sides agreed to accelerate cooperation in maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. They also discussed increasing exchanges between military officers and inviting observers to joint seminars and onboard training programmes.

By Sabina Mammadli