9 September 2023 12:00 am Views - 247
Over 7,000 officers and soldiers from Sri Lankan Armed Forces have been imparted training by Pakistan Armed Forces besides provision of military hardware and equipment to Sri Lankan Armed Forces at the time of need, Pakistani High Commissioner of Pakistan Major General (Retd) Umar Farooq Burki said. He said this at a reception organized to celebrate 58th Defence Day of Pakistan in Colombo on September 7, 2023.
A statement from the Pakistani High Commission said the Defence Day of Pakistan holds a significant place in the history of Pakistan, for it was on this day in 1965, when valiant Armed Forces and the entire nation stood united to thwart the nefarious design of their adversary.
It also reminds the supreme sacrifices made by the armed forces and the people of Pakistan in defeating an adversary who enjoyed overwhelming numerical and technological advantage.
He also paid homage and tribute to Martyrs (Shuhada) and Ghazis, brave men and women of the Armed Forces of Pakistan. He emphasized that the world has also witnessed the resolve of the Armed Forces of Pakistan in a protracted fight against terrorism and bringing peace and stability in the country. He underscored that the Armed forces of Pakistan and the nation renew its pledge and commitment to defend every inch of the motherland.
Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne said that Pakistan has been a true friend of Sri Lanka. He recalled that Pakistan has rendered unconditional support to Sri Lanka for the elimination of the most ruthless terrorist outfit in the world.
While underscoring strong relations between the two countries, he said that a friend in need is a friend indeed. The Government and people of Sri Lanka will never forget the moral and material support provided by Pakistan without any strings or conditions attached with it.