Speaking at the ‘’Pathfinder Foundation’s Ambassador’s Roundtable,” Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka, Rémi Lambert, reaffirmed France’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Sri Lanka and increasing cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, amid growing global instability.
His speech highlighted France’s perspective as both a global power and a leading member of the European Union. He discussed the increasing complexity of the international environment, marked by overlapping crises in the Middle East, Ukraine, and other regions. These conflicts, it was noted, are contributing to energy insecurity, economic disruption, and challenges to international law. He emphasised France’s active role in promoting de-escalation, engaging in diplomatic dialogue with all parties, and supporting humanitarian and defensive initiatives in coordination with international partners.
The Ambassador reiterated his country’s longstanding positions on key global issues, including support for a two-state solution concerning Israel and Palestine in the Middle East and solidarity with Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also highlighted France’s participation in international coalitions and peacekeeping efforts, as well as its contributions to humanitarian aid worldwide. His address further underscored emerging global challenges, including climate change, public health risks, drug trafficking, and the governance of new technologies such as artificial intelligence. Ambassador Lambert called for strengthened multilateral cooperation to address these issues, while reaffirming his country’s support for the United Nations system and advocating reforms to ensure it reflects contemporary global realities.
Focusing on bilateral relations, the Ambassador emphasised Sri Lanka’s strategic importance as a key partner in the Indian Ocean with areas of cooperation including maritime security, freedom of navigation, ocean protection, and regional stability. He also highlighted France’s role in supporting Sri Lanka’s economic development through trade, investment, and initiatives that foster sustainable development, connectivity, and decarbonisation. In his address, he also noted collaboration in areas such as education, gender equality, cultural exchange, and capacity-building, reflecting shared values between the two countries. In conclusion, Ambassador Lambert reaffirmed France’s long-term commitment to Sri Lanka, underlining a shared vision for peace, stability, and sustainable development. His remarks emphasised that enhanced cooperation between the two countries will play an important role in addressing both regional and global challenges in the years to come.
Chairman of the Pathfinder Foundation, Bernard Goonetilleke, initiated the subsequent Q&A session. Participants posed questions on major geopolitical and regional security concerns, with a strong emphasis on the Indian Ocean, the Middle East conflict, and global power shifts. Regarding China’s role in the Indian Ocean, Ambassador Lambert recognised it as a majorplayer, given its reliance on trade and economic influence. He stressed the importance of dialogue and inclusive cooperation, while also expressing concerns about imbalances in relationships. Asked about the China’s involvement in regional security structures, he said it had to be seen as part of a broader multipolar landscape. The discussion also highlighted the substantial economic impact of the Middle East crisis on Sri Lanka, particularly affecting migrant workers, tourism, and exports.
Several questions addressed recent security incidents and the broader Middle East conflict, including the attack on the Iranian vessel Iris Dena near Sri Lanka’s territorial waters and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz through which a significant proportion of global oil exports pass. The Ambassador reiterated France’s commitment to international law and freedom of navigation. While not directly involved in the conflict, he highlighted France’s defensive role in supporting regional partners and its ongoing diplomatic engagement with all parties. The closure of key sea lanes was described as regrettable due to its global economic impact. Ambassador Lambert commended the Sri Lankan government’s response to the recent naval attack as consistent with international and humanitarian law.
Questions regarding global governance and the actions of major powers highlighted concerns about the effectiveness of international law. The speaker emphasised France’s support for continued engagement, dialogue, and multilateral cooperation, while recognising geopolitical realities. On regional security, including Lebanon and maritime tensions, he outlined France’s approach of supporting state institutions, encouraging dialogue, and preventing escalation. He also reaffirmed France’s role as a stabilising “balancing power” in the Indian Ocean, contributing to maritime security, combatting illicit activities, and ensuring safe navigation.
Energy security and nuclear policy were also discussed. Ambassador Lambert emphasised the importance of diversifying energy sources, including civil nuclear energy, while noting that such transitions require long-term commitment, strong governance, and public support. He reaffirmed the country’s opposition to nuclear proliferation and support for international treaties and NPT. Additional questions covered economic trends, including the future of the euro, as well as domestic developments in Sri Lanka. He stressed that governance and human rights considerations are linked to continued trade benefits under the EU’s GSP+ framework.
The session concluded with a strong emphasis on the humanitarian impact of conflicts, with France reiterating its concern over civilian casualties and underscoring the urgent need for diplomatic solutions and international cooperation to restore peace and stability in the region and globally.
Pics
Ambassador of France to Sri Lanka, Rémi Lambert, reaffirmed France’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Sri Lanka. Chairman of the Pathfinder Foundation, Bernard Goonetilleke, Prof. Jayanath Colombage, Distinguished Fellow of the Pathfinder Foundation and participant of the event