Concerted efforts by all members of the ASEAN Regional Forum are vital to economic recovery and rebuilding the livelihoods of the people in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, Regional Cooperation State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya told the 27th ASEAN Regional Forum held virtually yesterday.
In his statement, Minister Balasuriya commended the role of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) as a proponent of peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Sri Lanka highlighting the values of constructive dialogue, consultation and cooperation by member states in maintaining peace and security in the region, called for collective efforts by the ARF member states to address traditional and non-traditional security threats.
Achieving prosperity and promoting a people centric economic development plan is key, State Minister Balasuriya said. He said that difficult times characterised by traditional and non-traditional security issues paint a picture that these issues are no longer confined to the geographical boundaries of countries. Sri Lanka gives priority to regional stability and recovery, security cooperation, maritime and cyber security, counter terrorism and transnational crimes and non-proliferation and disarmament.
He said that the future direction of the ARF must strive to achieve these objectives through an all-inclusive approach.