Pakistan Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt called on Sri Lankan Secretary Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo and discussed ways to strengthen defence cooperation between the two countries.  

During the meeting, a cordial discussion was held between Secretary Defence and Air Chief Marshal Butt on matters of bilateral cooperation and mutual interest.

The Air Chief, who is on a three-day visit to Sri Lanka also met his Sri Lankan counterpart, Air Marshal KA Gunatilleke.  During the meeting it was agreed to enhance the cooperation between the two Air Forces and new dimensions be given to already existing friendly relations.

Commander of the Sri Lankan Air Force Air Marshal Kolitha Gunathilake, Air Commodore Hamid Rashid Randhawa and Defence Attache of Pakistan in Sri Lanka Col Muhammad Rajil Irshad Khan were also present at the occasion.

Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt assured his counterpart of sustained support and cooperation in the fields of technical training and professional expertise.

In a subsequent development Air Chief Marshal Tahir Rafique Butt also held meetings on matters of professional interests with Commander Sri Lankan Army Lt. General Daya Ratnayake and Commander Sri Lankan Navy Vice Admiral Jayantha Perera at their respective services headquarters.