Colombo, Sri Lanka, Feb. 19 -- Ministry of Defence and Urban Development issued the following news release:

The Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet, Admiral Stephen T. Koehler, met with the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the Ministry of Defence today (19 February).

During the cordial discussion, attention was drawn to the evolving security landscape in the Indian Ocean Region, with both sides acknowledging the need for closer cooperation to address emerging maritime challenges. Both parties emphasized enhancing joint efforts in maritime domain awareness, improving information sharing, and strengthening coordination to respond to natural disasters and humanitarian contingencies.

The U.S. delega...