Sri Lanka, Ukraine to strengthen military ties

Sri Lanka is to enter bilateral agreements with Ukraine to strengthen their military ties during President Mahinda Rajapaksa's visit to the former Soviet Union country, presidential officials said on Tuesday.

Rajapaksa, who left Tuesday for his four-day visit, would be the first Sri Lankan president to visit Ukraine.

Sri Lanka will sign several agreements with Ukraine in the areas of military, technology, security, tourism, navigation and transport during his visit.

According to the officials, Rajapaksa will hold bilateral discussions with Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov and other senior officials.

The Sri Lankan president will also address the Sri Lanka- Ukraine Business Forum during his visit.

The officials said the visit would promote bilateral political dialogue and strengthen the cooperation between the two countries in the areas of fuel, energy, technology, education, culture and humanitarian assistance.

Rajapaksa is also scheduled to address the National Defense University of Ukraine.

During the Sri Lankan government's war against Tamil Tiger rebels, the government purchased military equipment from Ukraine. Among the military purchases are the MiG aircrafts used to neutralize the rebel's strategic locations in the north.

Source:Xinhua