Pathfinder hosts Colombo Maritime Dialogue

• Chinese Envoy urges IOR maritime cooperation, regional partnerships, sustainable development, maritime security and governance

The Pathfinder Foundation on Wednesday (13) hosted the ‘Colombo Maritime Dialogue’, bringing together regional experts and diplomats to discuss maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The dialogue saw participation from a professional team representing China, India, Singapore, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The dialogue was held under the theme: “Fostering Win-Win Cooperation in the IOR through Enhanced Mutual Understanding, Development-Oriented Collaboration, the Integration of Security and Development, and the Diversification of Discourse.”

Addressing the gathering, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong underscored the importance of maritime cooperation and regional partnerships in the IOR. He urged strengthening China–Sri Lanka maritime cooperation and promoting the sustainable development of the IOR. Speaking on the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean, he noted that the region has historically served as a vital link for global trade and cultural exchange. He highlighted Sri Lanka’s geopolitical importance as a key node along East–West maritime routes and acknowledged the country’s growing role in regional cooperation. Referring to the dialogue’s theme, he said that discussions on maritime security and governance, sustainable maritime development, and regional partnerships are important for the future stability and prosperity of the region. He further stressed that maritime cooperation remained essential for Sri Lanka’s economic growth and public welfare. He noted that bilateral cooperation between China and Sri Lanka had expanded in areas such as port development, shipping logistics, the marine economy, and disaster prevention and mitigation. He also referred to ongoing marine scientific research cooperation between the two countries and expressed hope that the Sri Lankan Government would make decisions “in consideration of its own sovereignty, dignity and interests.” Highlighting future cooperation, he recalled that both countries agreed to further strengthen maritime collaboration based on equality, and mutual trust and benefit. Planned areas of cooperation include marine environmental protection, maritime domain awareness and rescue operations, disaster relief, and capacity building. Reiterating China’s support for peace and stability in the IOR, he said that the Ocean should not become “an arena for major-power contest” but instead serve as “a broad stage for mutual benefit and cooperation.”

Source - The Morning