Countries Should Join Hands To Keep Oceans Free From Navigation: Dharmendra Pradhan

Bhubaneswar: Oceans play a pivotal role for trade. The countries should join hands to keep oceans free from navigation and unimpeded commerce, said Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan while inaugurating the third edition of East Asia Summit on Maritime Security and Cooperation at Hotel Mayfair Lagoon here on Friday.

Stressing on the need to find out ways for strengthening regional peace, security and prosperity among the member countries, the Union Minister said combined efforts are necessary to tackle maritime terrorism and crimes related to trafficking of drugs and humans and smuggling of arms.

While referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of SUGAR which is Security and Growth for All in the Region, Pradhan added “Odisha has become the maritime gateway to the South East Asia by virtue of many important ports and waterways in the state.”

As many as 52 delegates from 16 countries are participating in the two-day event.

Member countries including Australia, Brunei, Darussalam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, USA and Vietnam will hold discussion regarding the cooperation areas of maritime security and utilisation of ocean resources.

The delegates will be taken on a heritage tour to Dhauli and Konark on June 9 for an exposure of the rich heritage sites of the state.