Courtesy Ada Derana

The United States has offered to continue to expand counter-terrorism and maritime and border security cooperation with Sri Lanka.

Issuing a joint statement with the government of Sri Lanka on the occasion of the third US-Sri Lanka Partnership Dialogue held on Thursday (16), the United States reiterated President Trump’s statement that America stands with Sri Lanka against terrorism and supports Sri Lanka’s counter-terrorism efforts following the horrific Easter Sunday terrorist attacks of April 21.

The US-Sri Lanka Partnership Dialogue was co-chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka Tilak Marapana and U.S. Under-Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale.

The United States and Sri Lanka resolved to work together to foster peace and security and ensure a safe maritime domain in the Indian and Pacific Oceans through a rules-based order that ensures respect for international laws and norms,” the joint statement further said.

The United States and Sri Lanka have welcomed ongoing bilateral security sector cooperation, including U.S. support for demining, joint military engagements, Sri Lanka’s peacekeeping operations, human rights training for Sri Lankan officers, and visits by U.S. ships and military officials.

The United States government has also welcomed Sri Lanka’s renewed commitment to promoting reconciliation, accountability, justice, and human rights in pursuit of lasting peace and prosperity.

The United States and Sri Lanka had expressed support for strong economic partnership and growing bilateral trade based on the principles of fairness and reciprocity. The two governments have further welcomed the approval of a USD 480 million compact by the Millennium Challenge Corporation Board.

The statement said that the two governments emphasized the importance of their bilateral relationship and expressed commitment to further strengthen the US-Sri Lanka partnership for mutual benefit.