Ambassador Shobini Gunasekera, was invited to speak at the XI Moscow International Financial and Economic Forum on key vectors in international relations connecting to the forum's theme, "Building Bridges: Partnership without Borders." held in November 2025. She presented a conceptual framework of seven key vectors that define the contours of international relations and facilitate dialogue between states.
"These vectors represent the channels through which ideas propagate, trade expands, and peace is fortified," Ambassador emphasized" They serve as navigational beacons that enable countries to maintain their course even amidst global uncertainties."
• Economic ties as a foundation for long-term stability, achieved through the establishment of reciprocal benefit networks comprising trade, investment, and collaborative projects.
• Political choice and diplomacy, which through dialogue and multilateral cooperation cultivate relationships predicated on trust, predictability, and shared principles.
• Security, necessitating concerted efforts to counter cross-border threats such as piracy and cyberattacks through joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and maritime initiatives.
• Cultural linkages, encompassing academic exchanges, tourism, and professional networks that form the basis for mutual comprehension and enduring cooperation.
• Technological advancement, particularly in the realm of digital systems and artificial intelligence, where collaborative endeavors confer competitive advantages upon participating nations.
• Environmental stewardship, achieved through collective commitments in the domain of renewable energy and climate change mitigation.
• Humanitarian obligations, including disaster relief and developmental programs that bolster global solidarity.
Taking Sri Lanka as a case in point, Ambassador illustrated the practical application of these principles. She highlighted the country's strategic location in the Indian Ocean, its function as a trade and logistics hub, and its active engagement in regional associations such as BIMSTEC and in particular IORA, where Russia serves as a dialogue partner.
The potential of Sri Lanka – Russia bilateral cooperation was highlighted based on synergies in Russia's technological prowess and energy expertise complementing Sri Lanka's logistical capabilities and maritime infrastructure, thereby laying the groundwork for joint ventures in trade, innovation, tourism and logistics. She also emphasized that cultural and scientific exchanges would further enhance mutual understanding between the peoples of the two nations.
She concluded noting that progress necessitates dialogue, mutual respect, and a forward-looking approach that invests in partnerships capable of shaping the world of tomorrow.
