Turkey Ambassador to Sri Lanka R. Dernet Sekeroioglu said at a time when Turkey is confronting terrorism within and outside her borders, lessons from Sri Lanka’s very own experiences against LTTE would be of much value. In addition, Turkey is looking forward in enhancing bilateral cooperation for intelligence sharing in combating violent fundamental extremism, she further said.

Ambassador Dernet made these comments when she met the Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne at the Defence Ministry.

“Sri Lanka shall not tolerate any form of terrorism or any manifestation of religious or communal extremism. We shall take every necessary measure to safeguard our national interests and preserve the hard won peace”, he said.

Maj.Gen.Gunaratne said Turkey had a strong military force and enhancing cooperation between the two nations would invariably provide the opportunity for both nations in the exchange of expert knowledge in addressing global and regional security challenges.

Mementos signifying the occasion were exchanged between Maj. Gen. Gunaratne and Ambassador R. Dernet Sekeroioglu at the end of the discussion.