SL IS FOR A RULE BASED INDIAN OCEAN ORDER IN THE REGION
PM tells Indian Ocean Conference:
Sri Lanka is striving for a rule based Indian Ocean order that will benefit the nations in the region and all stakeholders, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday.
Prime Minister Wickremesinghe expressed this sentiment at the 3rd edition of Indian Ocean Conference in Vietnam last evening.
“The security situation should be looked in both comprehensive and competing environment, impact on the situation in Gulf could also spill over to the ocean states. Sri Lanka is for a rule based order in the Indian Ocean region where the nations in the region should discuss the situation. We will host a “Track 1.5 dialogue” in October this year. This would lead to multinational diplomatic conference will be held with the aim of developing a common understanding among Indian Ocean nations and maritime users,” the Prime Minister said.
“Indian Ocean region is set to define the destiny of the planet in the 21st century. It is the centre of the geo political turn of events. It is increasingly defined as the ocean of the future, Linkages between the Indian and Pacific Ocean is envisaged to create a maritime super highway that could be prospective to all.those who travelled to this region during the millennia the traders, philosophers , explorers and religious leaders left behind ideas. Ideas with uniquely Indian Ocean character. You will therefore find a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western thinking and systems. It is in this situation the new world order would take place,” the Prime Minister added.
“I want to highlight a few main global trends that I believe are critical turning points.turning points that I believe will decide on how economic development will be dispersed globally and will determine the new world order. World order has become more fragile, polarized and unpredictable. Multinational frame works are under pressure, managing interdependence is at risk, ability of multinational structures to deliver is being questioned. Weakness of state structures are creating complex international environment. Movement of multilateral trade negotiations faces challenges. For smaller countries there is the value in sovereignty equality of trade, it helps us to derive benefits. It allows us to have a voice in the world.the multilateral systems advocate temperance,therefore multilateral systems have become more fragile and could be highlighted the first turning point. Secondly we are seeing a push back of globalization. The question is are these signs of retreat from closer trade?. Globalization and trade ties have helped countries across the world to develop.
Without integrated market access it will be difficult for a small nation like my home, pro market policies to survive. This turning point is closely linked to the multinational systems.thirdly there is growing military build up across the globe. For instance the success and failure if Doha development agenda will demonstrate whether countries continue to value common rules and standards and willingness to engage in such process.
There is growing rivalry and military build up across the globe.this is the situation where the next great revolution will take place. New strategic order seems to be in the offing. It will be important to maintain the safety of sea lanes and communication. You will see build up of air facilities and naval bases. Increase of military presence of major and middle powers in the ocean states will highlight centre role of the ocean. With this situation these players will work towards making use of strategic advantage,” he also said.