COLOMBO, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- An annual International Maritime Conference "Galle Dialogue 2017" got underway in Sri Lanka's capital Colombo on Monday with 51 countries participating to discuss global maritime safety and security.
The countries participating this year include Japan, India, China, Pakistan, Britain and the United States.
Sri Lanka's State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardena, declaring open the Conference, said that maritime stakeholders must focus their attention on a greater maritime visibility for enhanced maritime security cooperation with friendly nations.
"It is time a consensus is established on cooperation amongst states to share information in creating the finest real-time picture of what goes on in the oceans of the world," Wijewardena said.
"In todays' economy, the oceans have an increased significance requiring all countries to be able to participate in the global market place. Shipping is the heart of the global economy, but it remains vulnerable," the minister added.
Sri Lanka's strategic location in the Indo-Asia Pacific region is fast becoming the center of gravity in world affairs. Fortified with the advantage of its unique position in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is looking at the future with great expectations to regain its maritime glory in the Indian Ocean by promoting mainly trade and tourism, the minister said.
He further noted that as no nation is capable of addressing challenges and threats in the maritime domain in isolation, Sri Lanka too seeks cooperation and assistance from all nations to ensure that the Indian Ocean is kept free from all threats and challenges.
The "Galle Dialogue" was first held in 2010 with the participation of a number of international and local professionals representing the maritime fraternity.
This year, the conference was held under the theme "Greater Maritime Visibility for Enhanced Maritime Security."
The purpose of the Galle Dialogue International Maritime Conference is to provide a common platform to discuss and deliberate maritime related issues.
