Sri Lanka at IORA Ministerial Meeting to enhance marine economic cooperation

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Harsha de Silva with outgoing Chair Julie Bishop, FM of Australia

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Harsha de Silva attended the 15th Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), held on 23 October in Padang, Indonesia.

the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is the only regional organisation consisting coastal nations bordering the Indian Ocean and seven dialogue partners consisting of the world’s leading economies.  IORA performs as a regional forum for strengthening economic, socio-cultural and technological cooperation among the member states through mutual cooperation. 

Maritime safety and security, trade and investment facilitation, fisheries and aquaculture management, academic, science and technology cooperation and tourism and cultural exchanges are IORA’s priority areas towards reaching economic prosperity in the region.

the Deputy Minister in his statement to the Council highlighted the importance of regional cooperation amongst the Indian Ocean Rim countries to address the challenges and exploit the benefits for IORA community and pledged Sri Lanka’s continued support and commitment towards IORA’s objectives and work plan.  

The Dialogue Partners of IORA namely China, Japan, Egypt, France, USA, UK and Germany assured IORA of their enhanced engagement with the institution to support its ongoing and future programs.

On the sidelines of the Council Meeting Deputy Minister held several discussions with the Foreign Ministers of Australia, Mauritius, South Africa and also with the Deputy or State Ministers from India and Singapore among others.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Harsha de Silva with the foreign ministers