During his address, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha highlighted the growing geopolitical importance of the Indian Ocean and stressed the need to preserve the region as a zone of peace, cooperation and shared prosperity.
He emphasized the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation, respecting international law and promoting constructive dialogue among nations to prevent regional rivalries from escalating into conflict.
The Defence Secretary also underscored the need for stronger international cooperation, intelligence sharing and collective action to address evolving security threats including terrorism, cybercrime, maritime insecurity and climate-related risks.
Reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to non-alignment and peaceful coexistence, he noted that smaller states have a crucial role in fostering dialogue, trust and regional stability amid an increasingly complex global environment.
The international forum in Moscow brought together senior officials and representatives from numerous countries and international organizations worldwide.
