“We had a wide-ranging discussion on our security cooperation which helps keep some of the worlds vital sea lanes open,” the US State Secretary Mike Pompeo said adding “a strong and powerful Sri Lanka is a strategic partner for the United States on the world stage and it can be a beacon for an open Indo-Pacific”.
Later he tweeted, "My meetings with President @GotabayaR and Foreign Minister Gunawardena reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s pivotal role as an #IndoPacific partner. Together, we’re committed to advancing our shared interests in the region, including security, stability, and prosperity."
Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa confirmed in a tweet that the US Defense Secretary Mike Pompeo had discussed defence corporation while the opposition and the sections in the government itself are protesting signing SOFA, ACSA and MCC agreements with US.
The President's tweet is as follows: " Engaged in a forward looking & a cordial interaction with @SecPompeo this morning. Appreciate @SecPompeo ’s stance on the need 2 strengthen the bilateral relationship & support 4 defence cooperation. Value @SecPompeo ’s views on assistance 4 investment & our development needs."
With a scathing attack at China, Pompeo went as far as to brand the Chinese Communist Party a predator in his statement to media after the talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dinesh Gunawardane.
