US supports efforts to provide maritime security

The US supports the efforts of Indo-Pacific countries to provide maritime security which incorporates peaceful resolution of territorial or maritime claims as well as freedoms of navigation and overflight.
"The United States supports efforts of the Indo-Pacific region countries to provide maritime security. That includes counter-piracy and counter-trafficking operations as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief," said Jeff Rathke, Acting Deputy Spokesperson of the State Department, yesterday.
This includes fundamental international principles such as freedom of navigation, freedom of overflight, and other lawful uses of the sea and airspace, as well as the peaceful resolution of territorial or maritime claims, he said.

"So we support Sri Lanka's efforts to contribute to maritime security and to fulfil its important role as a leading maritime nation in the Indo-Pacific region," Rathke said.
He said the US and Sri Lanka are working together to oppose intimidation or the use of force to assert territorial or maritime claims.
The US also support the legal uses of sea and air space, and also the rights that are granted to all states, big states and small states, he added.