Ambassador Julie Chung addressed participants at the opening ceremony of a workshop focused on terrorism and weapons of mass destruction (WMD), held at the ITC Hotel in Colombo. The event, hosted by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and instructed by the FBI, brought together professionals from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Maldives.
In her remarks, Ambassador Chung highlighted the collaborative nature of the workshop: "This week, all of you coming from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Maldives will not only learn the linkage between terrorist groups and WMD, but you will also share best practices in counterterrorism and counter-WMD investigations with your fellow participants. As Indo-Pacific partners, together we work together to safeguard security and open commerce. It takes the work of each of you in your unique roles to accomplish this- whether you are investigators, analysts, customs officers, border guards, or prosecutors."
She emphasized that threats posed by terrorism and WMD cross national borders and require collective vigilance and partnership. "At the core of our strategy is capacity building. We must ensure that every nation, regardless of size or resources, has the tools, expertise, and infrastructure to detect, deter, and respond to potential WMD incidents. Regional workshops like this lays the foundation for a safer tomorrow," she said.
Ambassador Chung also stressed international cooperation as essential in addressing these risks: "No single country can address the full spectrum of WMD risks alone. By sharing information swiftly, engaging in joint investigations, and coordinating cross-border operations, we turn solidarity into action, especially right here in the region. When our partners are secure, America is more secure."
She outlined dangers associated with WMD proliferation—ranging from loss of life to global instability—and noted that perpetrators could include state actors as well as non-state groups or individuals with access to sensitive materials. She called for strong enforcement of nonproliferation treaties along with proactive steps to secure relevant materials.
"In this interconnected world, preparedness is a shared duty. We cannot outsource security; we must build it together. Let us build friendships this week and continue the partnerships in the years to come in the fight against terrorism and WMD," Ambassador Chung concluded.
"Because when every nation is prepared, every nation is protected. Thank you for your commitment!"