Defence cooperation stressed at Shangri-La Dialogue

Participants at the 11th Shangri-La Dialogue resolved to strengthen co-operation further in the defence and security spheres including combating human smuggling, transnational organised crimes and upholding maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa referred to the growing importance of the Galle Maritime Security conference as a forum progressively gaining stature in discussing important issues of regional maritime security concerns and invited both Singapore and Bangladesh to participate in this annual event held in Sri Lanka.

The Shangri- La dialogue concluded on June 3. Sri Lanka is scheduled to have bilateral meetings with more countries including India and the USA . The Shangri- La Dialogue, the Asian region’s biggest defence and security forum commenced in Singapore on June 1 with the participation of over 351 delegates representing Foreign Ministers, Defence Ministers, top military officials and analysts from over 27 countries.

Leading Sri Lanka’s delegation to this meeting, External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris and Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa had bilateral discussions on the first day with Singapore Defence Minister Dr N G Eng Hen and Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni.

Given the strategic positioning of the country in the Indian Ocean, Prof Peiris explained the significant role played by Sri Lanka in curbing international terrorism by ending a 30 year terrorist conflict and spoke of the constructive way forward adopted by the country in achieving national reconciliation and sustainable economic development. He expressed gratitude for the steadfast support these countries have extended to Sri Lanka at the UN and other regional fora.

Singapore and Bangladesh acknowledged their enhanced interactions and sound bilateral relations with Sri Lanka.