While admiring the contribution made by Sri Lanka in joint efforts against international terrorism, the visiting Russian General Oleg Salyukov on Thursday requested Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to increase the participation of Sri Lankan military personnel in international military affairs.

He expressed these views when he called on Prime Minister Rajapaksa at Temple Trees.

The Prime Minister's Media Division said the discussions of the two delegations focused on strengthening defence co-operation between the two countries.

General Salyukov had said that Russia was ready to offer free lectures and training to Sri Lankan military personnel at Russian education centres.

He also had said that Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov, who visited Sri Lanka couple of weeks ago, had briefed him on the meeting the minister had with the Premier Rajapaksa and on what fields bilateral agreements could be made.

The General also offered his condolences to the Sri Lankans and other nationals who lost their lives and those injured in the Easter Sunday attacks last year.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Rajapaksa said it was vital to maintain bilateral co-operation in the face of the international challenges faced by both countries. (Lahiru Pothmulla)