The Chief of Defence Staff of the Sri Lanka Armed Forces, General Shavendra Silva, on July 5 said his country’s military aims to strengthen cooperation with Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).

According to a statement from RDF, Silva made the remarks as he visited Rwanda Defence Force Headquarters in Kigali. His delegation was received by General Mubarakh Muganga, the RDF Chief of Defence Staff. Silva also extended a courtesy visit to the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda.

They held discussions on enhancing the existing bilateral defence cooperation between Sri Lanka Armed Forces and RDF..

While addressing the media, Silva said that the purpose of his visit was to exchange experience and expertise on capacity building of Rwanda Defence Force and Sri Lanka Armed Forces, highlighting how the two countries could exchange instructors from Staff Colleges and various other institutions.

"In Rwanda, the defence forces have done great service to the nation by supporting in the socio-economic development of the country. We have been discussing the bilateral exchange of what we could do. We provided certain courses to the Rwandan forces in Sri Lanka, and we aim to increase exchanges between the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka and Rwanda," said Silva.

Silva paid his respects to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi during a visit at Kigali Genocide Memorial. His delegation also visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum, before participating in the celebration of 30 years of Liberation of Rwanda, in a ceremony held at Amahoro Stadium on July 4.