Sri Lanka assumed the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) at the 23rd IORA Council of Ministers which concluded in Colombo on Wednesday (Oct 11).
Sri Lanka is a founding member of IORA which was established in 1997 and previously served as its Chair from 2003 to 2004.
Foreign Minister Ali Sabry chaired the meeting of the 23rd IORA Council of Ministers which was inaugurated with a colourful opening ceremony that brought the Indian Ocean into the conference room via virtual reality.
Welcoming the Ministers and representatives of the Member States and Dialogue Partners who have gathered in Colombo, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said their presence was a testament to the spirit of collaboration and cooperation that defines the region, and that Sri Lanka appreciated their commitment to strengthen the ties that bind the Indian Ocean community.
He said that in the great tradition of hospitality, Sri Lanka opens its doors and its heart to all of its guests, adding that the progress & recovery Sri Lanka has made would not have been possible without the unwavering support and cooperation of its friends in the region and beyond, as well as the resilience of the Sri Lankans.
Following is the welcome speech of Foreign Minister Ali Sabry at the 23rd Meeting of the IORA Council of Ministers in Colombo;
Your Excellencies, Honourable Ministers, State Ministers, Heads of Delegations, the Secretary General of IORA, distinguished invitees, friends, ladies & gentlemen
Ayubowan and good morning to all of you.
It is my distinct pleasure and honour to welcome you all to the opening session of the 23rd Meeting of the IORA Council of Ministers here in Colombo, overlooking the majestic Indian Ocean, the lifeblood that binds our organization together and the one which has washed the shores by which our distinctive identities have been defined.
The return of several high-level delegations to Sri Lanka after a few turbulent years is an encouraging sight. The modest progress & recovery we have made over the past 12 to 18 months would not have been possible without the unwavering support and cooperation of our friends in the region and beyond, as well as the resilience of our people.
It is in this spirit and with this enthusiasm that Sri Lanka hosts this Session. I would like to express our deepest appreciation and commendation for the exceptional leadership and remarkable work done by Bangladesh during its tenure as the Chair of IORA. Bangladesh held this position during one of the most challenging periods amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing restrictions.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen
Historically, Sri Lanka has played an important role in international affairs. We were a part of the Bandung Conference which paved the way for the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement, which we went on to lead in Thus, our foreign policy has centered on peace, stability diversity, and inclusivity both in the region, and beyond.
In 1971, Sri Lanka made an indelible mark on the world stage by being instrumental in the passage of a historic resolution at the United Nations to declare the Indian Ocean region and its airspace as a Zone of Peace. This resolution sought to transform the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean into a symbol of cooperation, understanding, and tranquility, transcending political boundaries and ideologies. Today, we look back on this noble endeavor with immense pride, as it reflects our nation’s enduring commitment to promoting peace, unity & stability. We have an unwavering faith in multilateralism and diplomacy as a means for the international community to work towards resolving a variety of recurrent challenges.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen
It is in this historic context that Sri Lanka took pride in joining our organization, the Indian Ocean Rim Association, as a founding member in 1997 with a view to promote regional cooperation and sustainable development by bringing together coastal nations bordering the Indian Ocean.
Since then, our organization has developed from strength to strength, and we now have 23 member states and 11 dialogue partners with diverse interests and characteristics.
As stated in our association’s charter, IORA’s primary objectives are to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region. We have a unique opportunity through IORA to address diversified challenges and opportunities in the spectacular Indian Ocean that we overlook.
In light of this, as the host nation we relish the opportunity to lead our organization to facilitate discussions and deliberations on pressing regional and global issues.
As we convene today, it is crucial that we recognize the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Our region confronts a variety of complex issues.
These challenges require our collective efforts and a strong commitment to discovering innovative and inclusive solutions that are specific to our region, the Indian Ocean, and our heritage. Under the theme of “Strengthening Regional Architecture: Reinforcing Indian Ocean Identity” our organisation will discuss these challenges in an open and transparent manner during our deliberations.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen
We believe that by working together, we can enhance cooperation in the areas of investment promotion, maritime safety & security, trade & investment facilitation, fisheries management, disaster risk management, tourism and cultural exchanges, academic, science and technology cooperation, blue economy & women’s economic empowerment thereby assuring the sustainable development and well-being of the people in our region and those beyond. In all our endeavours, we must not undervalue the importance of inclusiveness and of engaging with a diverse group of stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, academic institutions, youth, and students. Their expertise, creativity, and resources are invaluable assets that can significantly contribute towards our collective success.
As outlined in IORA’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, since its inception our organization has sought to build and expand understanding and mutually beneficial cooperation through a consensus-based, evolutionary and non-intrusive approach. If we work with commitment in furtherance of these values, our organization could be a conduit to enhance maritime safety and security in the indo-pacific region and in the exercise of freedom of navigation & over-flight, in accordance with International Law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, thereby positively contributing to the maintenance of peace & stability and greater prosperity for all.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen
As Sri Lanka assumes the Chairmanship of our organization, we pledge to lead with dedication and a strong commitment to IORA’s principles and objectives.
As the incoming Chair of IORA, Sri Lanka is resolute in its commitment to these priorities, working collaboratively with our fellow member states to ensure a more prosperous, secure, and interconnected future for the Indian Ocean Rim. Through these collective efforts, we aim to reinforce the identity of the Indian Ocean region and strengthen our position as a beacon of cooperation and sustainability.
In conclusion, our success and the success of our future generations rest upon the decisions we make today. If we make the right choices, future generations will remember us as the generation that fought for their rights. We have before us a quintessentially unique opportunity to create a prosperous and a safe Indian Ocean that leaves no one behind.
I thank you and I wish you a pleasant stay in our beautiful country. (NewsWire)
