Russia's explanation regarding relations between Sri Lanka and NATO

The Russian Federation has clarified its official position regarding Sri Lanka's efforts to build cooperation in the defense sector with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr. Levan Dzhagaryan, stated that the relations a country maintains with another party are an internal and bilateral right of that country.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, the Ambassador emphasized that it is not Russia's policy to influence the sovereign decisions of other states in the way Western powers do. Accordingly, Russia does not intend to unduly interfere with Sri Lanka's relations with NATO.

Meanwhile, a special diplomatic discussion was held between the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence of Sri Lanka, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyakontha, and the Chairman of NATO, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, during the Chiefs of Defence Conference held in Victoria, Canada. Both parties focused on modernizing military sectors, enhancing cyber security readiness, utilizing modern technology, and strengthening surveillance mechanisms. Additionally, extensive discussions were held on training military officers, information exchange, and disaster response mechanisms.

Emphasizing the importance of providing humanitarian aid using drone technology during emergency disaster situations, the Sri Lankan Defence Secretary requested further expansion of existing relations between Sri Lanka and NATO. NATO, formed by the unity of European and North American states, is a military and political alliance that stands for the security of its member countries. Due to the full-scale wartime situation that arose from the Ukraine crisis, diplomatic relations between Russia and NATO are currently in a highly tense and critical state.