Maldives Chief of Defense Forces Lieutenant General Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef on Thursday (February) met with the Defense Minister of Sri Lanka, Gen. (D) Kamal Gunaratne during his official visit to the country  (08). The meeting took place at the Defense Headquarters in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, where General Latheef expressed his desire to strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries.

.According to the Ministry of Defense, the discussion focused mainly on strengthening cooperation in areas such as military training, strategic partnership and security initiatives. Both sides recognized the importance of continued dialogue and exchange programs to strengthen defense capabilities and promote peace in the region.

During the meeting, the Defense Minister recognized the historic alliance between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, emphasizing their shared commitment to regional stability and security. Lt. Gen. Latheef, who was recently appointed by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu as Chief of the Maldives Defense Force, also expressed interest in closer ties with Sri Lanka in the field of defense cooperation.

Lt. Gen Latheef is a graduate of the Defense Services Command and Staff College, Batalanda, and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in the defense sector. His visit to Sri Lanka demonstrates the importance that both countries attach to strengthening their defense ties and cooperation to ensure peace and security in the region.