The Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tim Watts MP, arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday (10) to represent Australia at the 23rd meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers.
This visit underlines the importance of the bilateral relationship between Australia and Sri Lanka and their shared interests in the Indian Ocean region.
The IORA is a regional association comprising 23 member states bordering the Indian Ocean, established in 1997 to promote regional cooperation and development. The Council of Ministers is the IORA’s highest decision-making body, meeting annually to discuss and review the organization’s work program and set priorities for the future.
During this meeting in Sri Lanka, the Council of Ministers will address a range of critical issues, including maritime safety and security, the blue economy, climate change, and the IORA Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, highlighting the significance of collaboration in addressing these regional challenges.
Assistant Minister Watts’s visit is not only about the IORA meeting but also provides an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations between Australia and Sri Lanka. He will meet with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and other government officials to discuss the multifaceted partnership between the two nations.
Australia and Sri Lanka share robust connections in various domains, encompassing business, education, development, sports, and culture. The Sri Lankan diaspora in Australia, with over 130,000 individuals of Sri Lankan heritage, contributes significantly to the vibrant Australian society.
Assistant Minister Watts will also renew a sports cooperation memorandum of understanding, emphasizing the shared passion for sports that unites the two nations. Additionally, the signing of a renewed Trade and Investment Framework Arrangement with Sri Lanka aims to further boost economic ties and promote economic recovery through increased trade.
In discussions with Sri Lankan counterparts, Assistant Minister Watts will explore opportunities for collaborative efforts in addressing shared challenges, notably climate change and transnational crime. Australia’s prosperity and security are closely linked to the Indian Ocean, making it imperative to foster a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indian Ocean region.
Australia’s growing relationship with Sri Lanka is a vital aspect of its broader strategy to promote stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region. This visit by Assistant Minister Tim Watts emphasizes the commitment of both nations to strengthening their partnership and addressing regional and global challenges collectively.
