Over 7,000 Sri Lankan military officers, soldiers trained by Pakistani Army

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.