24th Council of Ministers Meeting of Indian Ocean Rim Association ends successfully

Friday, 23 May 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The 24th Council of Ministers (COM) Meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) successfully concluded on 21 May under the chairmanship of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath.

The meeting was preceded by the 27th Meeting of the IORA Committee of Senior Officials, held from 19-20 May and chaired by Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja under the theme “Sustainable Indian Ocean for Future Generations.” The meetings were held in the virtual format.

Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, and senior representatives from 23 IORA Member States and 12 Dialogue Partners participated at the COM, along with the IORA Secretary General. Deliberations focused on advancing cooperation in the IORA’s six priority areas: trade and investment, maritime safety and security, fisheries management, disaster risk management, academic, science and technology cooperation, blue economy, and women’s economic empowerment. The Council considered recommendations put forward by the Senior Officials at their meeting yesterday.

The Ministers adopted the IORA Guidelines on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, as well as the IORA’s Climate Agenda, both significant steps towards promoting environmental sustainability in the region. The Council also welcomed the European Union as its newest Dialogue Partner, further strengthening the Association’s international engagement. The Colombo Communiqué, highlighting progress achieved since the previous COM held in October 2023, was also adopted by the 24th COM.

During its 2023-2025 chairmanship, under the theme “Strengthening Regional Architecture: Reinforcing Indian Ocean Identity,” Sri Lanka has led several key initiatives at the IORA. Highlights include the commemoration of IORA Day 2024, which engaged over 800 students, and the inaugural IORA Business Conclave in Colombo, co-hosted by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, which brought together more than 200 regional business leaders in May 2024. Preparations are also underway to launch a digital platform of an IORA Centre of Excellence on Ocean Sciences and Environment together with the Ocean University of Sri Lanka during the course of this year.

As the IORA Chair, Sri Lanka remains focused on strengthening regional cooperation and promoting sustainable development of the Indian Ocean region.

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