Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, delivered an address at the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) held in Muscat, Oman.
Speaking at the first plenary session on the theme “Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership,” Minister Herath highlighted Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening regional maritime cooperation, ensuring security, and fostering sustainable economic partnerships in the Indian Ocean region.
The Indian Ocean Conference, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs of India in association with the India Foundation, brings together key representatives from the region and international organizations to discuss pressing regional issues. The 2025 edition, hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman, focuses on advancing maritime partnerships to address emerging global challenges.
In his speech, Minister Herath underscored the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean as a hub for trade, security, and economic growth, reaffirming Sri Lanka’s role as a key partner in fostering regional stability and connectivity. He also emphasized the need for greater collaboration in blue economy initiatives, environmental sustainability, and technology-driven maritime solutions to navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape.
During the conference, the Minister is also engaging in bilateral discussions with his counterparts, exploring avenues for enhanced economic cooperation, trade partnerships, and regional security initiatives.
