US Deputy Secretary of Defense to speak at Galle Dialogue

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for South and Southeast Asia Robert Scher will speak at the Galle Dialogue in Galle on 14 November to present US perspectives on security in the Indian Ocean.

While in Galle, Scher will meet with Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Gotabaya Rajapaksa and other Government of Sri Lanka officials.  

Scher is expected to highlight the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean, discuss opportunities for defence cooperation in the areas of demining, maritime security, humanitarian assistance and disaster response and reiterate the US Government’s commitment to upholding international human rights standards for all countries.

The United States has a longstanding history of being forward deployed around the globe, and the US remains committed to the region.  The US Navy routinely operates in the Indian Ocean, conducting maritime security operations, and being poised to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.  The US recognises the importance of multilateral approaches to promoting security in the Indian Ocean and aims to expand cooperation with regional partners.

The Galle Dialogue presents a welcome opportunity for countries in the region to discuss new opportunities for cooperation.