Ruwan meets Chinese delegation in Singapore

State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene met with Admiral Sun Jianguo, Deputy Chief of General Staff of the People's Liberation Army and Leader of the Chinese delegation on the sidelines of the 14th IISS Asia Security Summit- Shangri La Dialogue 2015 in Singapore, the Defense ministry said. Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Mr. B M U D Basnayake was also present. During the meeting Minister Wijewardene mentioned that, recent successful State Visit by the President Maithripala Sirisena to China emphasized the importance given by the new Government in further strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. Admiral Jianguo referring to the warm and friendly relations that existed between Sri Lanka and China stated that, they would continue to provide assistance to Sri Lanka including in defence matters. Minister Wijewardene also thanked the high official for the training and other assistances provided. Both sides agreed that the Defence Dialogue initiated last year was an important mechanism to streamline defence cooperation between the two countries and Minister Wijewardene invited the Chinese side to the 2nd Sri Lanka - China Defence Dialogue which would be held in Sri Lanka in the latter half of this year. Mementoes were also exchanged to mark the event. Sri Lankan delegation arrived in Singapore to participate at the Shangri La Dialogue 2015. Defence Chiefs/Ministers of over 26 nations are meeting here in-view-of the annual Shangri-La Dialogue 2015. Three-day long conference will be hosted by the International Institute for Security Studies (IISS). Minister Wijewardene was accompanied by the Secretary Defence, Commander of the Army, Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Navy, Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Air Force, and the Defence Ministry Officials.