Sri Lanka affirmed commitment to the Indian Ocean Cooperation this week, where the government pledged to contribute to efforts towards regional cooperation, peace, security and inclusive economic development.
The pledge was made by Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva, at the sixth Indian Ocean Conference (IOC), held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, recently.
Delivering Sri Lanka’s statement at the special thematic sessions, De Silva underlined the country’s active engagement in the Indian Ocean region, where he emphasised the importance of fostering closer cooperation and linkages between ASEAN, IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation). He stressed the need for enhanced regionalism that focuses on augmenting cooperation among maritime domain stakeholders, aiming to strengthen peace, security and economic development in the region.
In terms of partnership and economic initiatives, as the head of the delegation, the minister asserted the significance of fostering trade and economic activities in the Indian Ocean, including blue-green economic initiatives. “Sri Lanka aims to promote sustainable development and the preservation of the region’s unique marine ecosystem. The country’s engagement in the conference demonstrates its proactive stance toward fostering mutually beneficial partnerships and enhancing economic cooperation within the Indian Ocean region,” he said.
The conference, inaugurated by Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, brought together representatives from 25 participating countries to discuss the theme of ‘peace, prosperity and partnership for a resilient future’. The minister emphasised the country’s commitment to regional cooperation, peace, security and inclusive economic development during the event.
