Abu Dhabi: The United Arab Emirates participated in the 24th Council of Ministers Meeting and the 27th Committee of Senior Officials meeting for the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), which were both held virtually from 20th to 21st May. The UAE delegation was led by Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs at the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to Emirates News Agency, during the meetings chaired by Sri Lanka under the theme "A Sustainable Indian Ocean for Future Generations," the UAE emphasized its dedication to sustainability goals and addressing global challenges, including climate change. Al Hajeri stressed the UAE's commitment to active participation in multilateral organizations and support for IORA's efforts to leverage opportunities in the Indian Ocean sustainably for the benefit of present and future generations.
The UAE became a member of IORA in 1999 and chaired the organization from 2019 to 2021. Established in 1997, IORA aims to foster regional cooperation, prosperity, and growth in the Indian Ocean region. This is achieved through joint initiatives in areas such as maritime security and safety, trade and investment, fisheries management, disaster risk management, tourism and cultural exchange, academic, scientific and technological cooperation, women's economic empowerment, and the 'blue' economy.