Chinese Defence Delegation calls on Commander of the Navy

A six-member Chinese defence delegation headed by Major General Qian Lihua of the Ministry of National Defence of the People’s Republic of China called on the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake at the Naval Headquarters in Colombo on 13th October 2011. They were accompanied by the Ambassador for People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka Her Excellency Yang Xiuping.

The delegation held cordial discussions on matters of bilateral relevance and mutual interests with the Commander of the Navy. Mementos were also exchanged as a gesture of goodwill to mark the occasion.

During the discussions, Major General Lihua expressed their willingness to provide assistance for professional training, conduct of joint exercises and surveillance operations. He commended the professionalism displayed by SLN in its counter maritime terrorism operations and expressed his admiration at the SLN’s achievements in asymmetric warfare with the innovations made in small boat constructions and their operations.

Commander of the Navy, extending a warm welcome to the visiting delegates, stated that the two friendly countries share excellent relations and have close economic and cultural ties spanning several centuries. Cooperation and assistance extended by China, the Commander added, has helped Sri Lanka in a significant way to achieve peace and economic stability. Generous facility offered by China to provide advanced naval training at its prestigious naval establishments has made significant contribution to the professional improvement of SLN personnel, the Commander further noted.

The Chinese delegation comprised of Senior Colonel Xu Hui, Director General of Translation Section, Defence Studies College, National Defence University, Senior Colonel Zong Jiahu, Deputy Director General, Arms Control and Military Assistance Bureau, Ministry of National Defence, Colonel Tian Feng, Deputy Director Quarter Master and Equipment Research Institute, General Armament Department, Colonel Guo Hongtao, Staff Officer, Asian Affairs Bureau, Ministry of National Defence and Colonel Chang Jinfu, Deputy Chief of Staff, 6th Armour Division, Beijing Military Area Command.

The Head of the delegation Major General Qian Lihua before his present appointment has served as Deputy Director General and Director General of General Planning Bureau, Ministry of National Defence and Deputy Chief of Foreign Affairs Office.