Muscat: Hon. Vijitha Herath, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, addressed the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, emphasizing the importance of maritime partnerships for the prosperity of the Indian Ocean Region. The conference, themed ‘Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership,’ saw discussions centered around strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable growth.
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka, the conference, which began in Singapore in 2016, has traversed through various countries, including Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Maldives, UAE, Bangladesh, and Australia, before reaching Oman. The India Foundation has played a crucial role in creating a platform for dynamic exchanges and collaborative actions, aiming to reinforce shared commitments to the region’s prosperity.
The historical ties between Oman and Sri Lanka were highlighted, with the Indian Ocean serving as a bridge for trade and cultural exchange centuries ago. The minister noted the significan
ce of the Port of Colombo as a manifestation of new horizons in maritime partnerships, connecting the Far East with Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The port’s development is expected to reach greater heights with the upcoming Colombo West International Terminal.
Sri Lanka remains devoted to enhancing maritime connectivity through port development, logistics, and services, positioning itself as a key hub in the Indian Ocean. The minister emphasized the critical role of oceans in international trade, environmental sustainability, and geopolitical stability, underscoring the need for freedom of navigation as a strategic necessity for global prosperity.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs discussed the challenges faced by the maritime landscape, such as maritime crimes, territorial disputes, rising sea levels, and marine pollution. He called for collaboration and partnership to address these issues, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and equitable resource distribution in realizing the economic b
enefits of the Indian Ocean Region.
Regional security and stability were highlighted as essential elements for fostering a resilient maritime environment. The minister advocated for strengthening regional security architectures, enhancing maritime domain awareness, and promoting joint exercises and capacity-building initiatives.
Sri Lanka, as the current Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), aims to foster partnerships with regional and international stakeholders to ensure maritime security, environmental sustainability, and economic prosperity. The minister reiterated Sri Lanka’s commitment to the BBNJ Agreement on conserving marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, emphasizing the treaty’s role in equitable access to marine resources and sustainable ocean governance.
In conclusion, Hon. Vijitha Herath reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s readiness to collaborate with all stakeholders to realize the vision of a secure, stable, sustainable, and prosperous Indian Ocean Region.