New Delhi: The Colombo Security Conclave, comprising Maldives, India, Sri Lanka, and newest member Mauritius, have agreed on a roadmap on the five pillars of cooperation, including countering terrorism and radicalization and combating trafficking and transnational organised crime.
The 5th National Security Adviser level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave, held in Male on March 9-10, identified key areas of cooperation to enhance and strengthen regional security in the five pillars of · Maritime Safety and Security · Countering Terrorism and Radicalisation · Combating Trafficking and Transnational Organised Crime · Cyber Security, Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Technology · Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief The Member states agreed upon a roadmap for further cooperation and collaboration on these pillars of cooperation.
The roadmap will facilitate robust mechanisms for coordinated responses, capacity building and strengthening information flow between member states, said a joint Press Statement. Delegations from Bangladesh and Seychelles participated as Observers.
The delegates participating included Mariya Ahmed Didi, Maldivian Defence Minister; Ajit Doval, India’s National Security Adviser; General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd.), Secretary to the Ministry of Defence of Sri Lanka; and Kumaresan Ilango, National Security Adviser of Mauritius.
The delegation from Bangladesh was led by Tarique Ahmed Siddique, Defence and Security Adviser to the Bangladesh Prime Minister, and Seychelles was represented by Simon Archange Dine, Chief of Staff of Seychelles Defence Forces. As maritime neighbours, facing similar threats, the Conclave reaffirmed their commitment to engage in consistent joint efforts to achieving regional peace and security. (UNI)
