SRI LANKAN FOREIGN MINISTER INVITES US TO BECOME

UNCLAS COLOMBO 001128 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPARTMENT FOR SA/PAB E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ETRD ECON CE SUBJECT: SRI LANKAN FOREIGN MINISTER INVITES US TO BECOME "DIALOGUE PARTNER" IN INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION FOR REGIONAL COOPERATION (IOR-ARC) Sensitive but Unclassified, please handle accordingly. This is an action request, please see para 3. ¶1. Foreign Minister Kadirgamar has asked Ambassador to consider possibility of US becoming a "Dialogue Partner" in the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC). IOR-ARC members include Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, UAE and Yemen. Current IOR-ARC Dialogue Partners include China, France, Egypt, Japan and UK. The next meeting of the organization is in Colombo in late-August, which prompted the FM's question. ¶2. The IOR-ARC exists to facilitate and promote economic cooperation and trade among countries of the Indian Ocean Rim. Dialogue Partner status may be granted to independent countries with special interest and a "capacity to contribute" to IOR-ARC initiatives. ¶3. Post has reviewed IOR-ARC materials provided by the MFA and sees no compelling reason for US involvement at this time. We have heard little about this group, other than from the FM and do not foresee much opportunity therein to advance US objectives. We are prepared to decline the FM's offer, but await Washington's opinion. Please advise. LUNSTEAD