KATHMANDU, Feb 10: Foreign Minister NP Saud has emphasized the critical importance of the Indian Ocean beyond its geographical identity, highlighting its geopolitical, geostrategic, and geo-economic significance as a global hub of civilizations.

Addressing the 7th Indian Ocean Conference held in Australia on Saturday, Minister Saud expressed concern over the various traditional and non-traditional security challenges confronting the Indian Ocean, including marine terrorism, piracy, and illicit trafficking of drugs and weapons, among others. He mentioned that these issues pose serious and immediate problems for regional stability and security.

While highlighting the Indian Ocean's role as a major artery of global trade and commerce, Minister Saud said that this is increasingly becoming vital for Nepal's access to international markets. A significant portion of Nepal's external trade relies on this maritime route, making the ocean a lifeline for the country's economic aspirations.

Saud also mentioned the interconnectedness between the health of the Indian Ocean and the ecosystem and climatic conditions of the Hindu Kush Himalaya Region.  "Ocean and mountain issues, therefore, should be dealt with in an integrated and holistic manner, with full recognition of their organic interconnectedness. The interaction between the Himalayas and the Indian Ocean contributes to the unique climatic conditions in South Asia," he said.

Saud reiterated Nepal's recognition of the oceans as a global public good and called for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions for the benefit of all humanity.

 
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