US Defence Secretary commends President Rajapaksa on COVID-19 success and polls

The United States Secretary of Defence Dr. Mark T. Esper has spoken with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa over the phone on Sunday, the US Department of Defence said in a release.

During the call, Secretary Esper has congratulated the President on his successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent conclusion of Parliamentary Elections.

The Secretary has also urged continued progress on reconciliation and human rights in Sri Lanka and discussed enhancing bilateral defence relations.

“Reviewing common bilateral defence priorities, they noted opportunities to enhance military professionalisation, counter-terrorism, and maritime security cooperation. Both leaders expressed their commitment to expanding bilateral defence relations and to advancing shared interests,” the release said.

The two leaders have also discussed their shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific that ensures the sovereignty of all nations.

Following the call Secretary Esper tweeted that he had a good talk with the President.

“Good talk today with Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. We discussed our cooperation in responding to COVID 19 and the international security environment. We look to deepen CT and maritime security cooperation, and I encouraged continued progress on human rights and reconciliation in Sri Lanka.”