The Joint Commander of the French Forces deployed in the Indian Ocean, Rear Admiral Hugues Laine, held a significant meeting with Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Defence Ministry in Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte on Wednesday, March 19.
The French delegation, which included Mrs. Marie-Noelle Duris, Deputy Head of Mission of France to Sri Lanka, Commander Dang Khoa Bui, Naval Attaché of the French Embassy in New Delhi, and Captain Lionel Siegfried, Commander of the French Navy Ship Provence, currently visiting the island, was warmly welcomed by Defence Secretary Thuyacontha upon their arrival at the ministry.
The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, enhancing regional maritime security, and aligning mutual interests in the Indian Ocean region. Both sides emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to address common security challenges.
During the meeting, Rear Admiral Laine highlighted the strategic significance of Sri Lanka’s location in the Indian Ocean and the potential for deeper cooperation in key areas such as maritime domain awareness, humanitarian assistance, and maritime disaster response. The Defence Secretary expressed gratitude for France’s continued partnership, acknowledging the vital role of such dialogue in promoting regional stability and security.
