SL calls for developing an Indian Ocean Order
Foreign Affairs Minister Tilak Marapana stressed on the requirement for developing an Indian Ocean Order that would provide a set of rules and regulations for peaceful engagement and interaction between Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) member countries, based on the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
He expressed these views at the Seventeenth Council of Ministers’(com) meeting of the IORA in Durban, South Africa on October 18.
The event was attended by ministers and representatives from the 21 IORA member states and seven Dialogue Partners; China, Egypt, Japan, France, Germany, the UK and the US.
Minister Marapana highlighted the importance of the Indian Ocean to the progress of the region and the need to strengthen cooperation among IORA member countries. He pointed out the importance of
The minister also presented Sri Lanka’s proposal to be the Chair of IORA, for the period 2021 – 2023 and thereby to become the Vice-chair from 2019-2021
freedom of navigation as a historic norm that needs to be upheld by all littoral states, if the opportunities provided by the Indian Ocean are to be harnessed for the mutual benefit of all. He added that it will be an arrangement for mutual convenience to strengthen the unity, togetherness and cooperation that exists in IORA in order to ensure the freedom of navigation and unimpeded lawful maritime commerce and over-flight in the Indian Ocean.
The minister also forwarded a proposed to establish an Indian Ocean Development Fund by IORA, to craft the necessary financial armoury for the future of Indian Ocean rim nations. Minister Marapana conveyed Sri Lanka’s support for the proposed Working Group on Maritime Safety and Security, one of the six priority areas of IORA. The COM approved Sri Lanka as the lead coordinating country for Maritime Safety and Security Working Group with a task to ensure progress is made under this important priority area of IORA.
The minister also presented Sri Lanka’s proposal to be the Chair of IORA, for the period 2021 – 2023 and thereby to become the ViceChair from 2019-2021. The Council welcomed the proposals which will be submitted to the member countries for consideration.