Dialogue between Indian Ocean littoral states and major maritime users needed: Ranil Wickramasinghe
Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe has called for need of dialogue between Indian Ocean littoral states and major maritime users of the Indian Ocean to develop a common understanding on various maritime issues.
Making a statement on international conference on the future of the Indian Ocean to be held in Colombo next week ickremsinghe said Sri Lanka hopes to ensure the stability of the rules-based order and build the foundation for a prosperous regional economy.
Noting that the Indian Ocean region is set to define the destiny of planet in the 21st century, he underlined that these economic opportunities created through maritime activities must be maximised, while minimising the risks of great power competition in the Indian Ocean.
Sri Lankan PM asserted that the economic potential has also generated strategic risks with both regional and extra-regional powers competing to secure access to the region’s resources and its sea-lanes which has also resulted in more ominous naval competition.
He said the challenge is to recreate the open and free spirit of trade and commerce that existed in ancient times across the Indian Ocean.
Wickremsinghe said the spirit of maritime trade and commerce should be inclusive, pluri-lateral, stabilising and Sri Lanka hopes to ensure the stability of the rules-based order and build the foundation for a prosperous regional economy.
The “Indian Ocean: Defining Our Future ” conference beginning Thursday will explore the region’s challenges and opportunities in a two-day symposium featuring international dignitaries and experts from the littoral states and beyond.Dialogue between Indian Ocean littoral states and major maritime users needed:
It is expected to lead to a multilateral diplomatic Conference to be held early next year in Sri Lanka to move towards an understanding that would contribute towards greater peace, security and prosperity in the Indian Ocean.
