US underscores democratic outcome to political developments in Sri Lanka

Monday, 19 November 2018 00:31 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The United States, sharing commitment with Indo-Pacific nations to advance regional interests, has stressed to achieve an outcome consistent with democratic principles to political developments in Sri Lanka.

Senior US officials, in a meeting with counterparts from Japan, Australia, and India, have highlighted shared regional interests, including a political outcome in Sri Lanka consistent with democratic principles and support for the new Government of the Maldives.

“United States officials underscored the importance of coordinated and complementary engagement to advance shared regional interests, including support for the new Maldivian Government and encouragement of an outcome to political developments in Sri Lanka consistent with democratic principles,” the Department of State said in a statement.

The Department of State said senior officials from the United States, Australia, India, and Japan, who met in Singapore on 15 November for consultations on the Indo-Pacific region, have reaffirmed a shared commitment to maintain and strengthen a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific in which all nations are sovereign, strong, and prosperous.

They have further highlighted the complementary visions for the region held by their four countries, grounded in a shared support for a free, open, and inclusive region that fosters universal respect for international law, freedom of navigation and overflight, and sustainable development.

Officials from the four countries have focused on their shared goals, including support for sustainable development, connectivity, and good governance, according to the statement.

The officials have highlighted the importance of good governance in strengthening the rules-based order and reviewed initiatives to enhance regional security, including through cooperation on maritime, counterterrorism, non-proliferation, and cyber issues.

“They committed to driving broad economic development that harnesses the region’s full potential and fosters connectivity and development of infrastructure based on transparency, genuine need, sustainable debt burden, and other principles in accordance with international standards,” the statement said.

“They reaffirmed their strong support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN-led regional architecture, as well as their support for other regional institutions such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association and the Pacific Islands Forum. Participants highlighted the importance of coordination and collaboration with all interested countries and institutions to support a diverse, peaceful, and prosperous region.

“The four countries looked forward to regular consultations on Indo-Pacific engagement and initiatives,” the statement said.