Colombo, Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka is poised to take the helm as Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), with several Foreign Ministers, including those from India, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Iran, Malaysia, and South Africa, set to participate in the IORA Council of Ministers meeting scheduled for October 11, 2023. The meeting will bring together 16 Ministers, reflecting the regional and international significance of the IORA.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry will preside over the Council, which serves as the highest decision-making body of the IORA, succeeding the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, the current Chair. This tenure will span the next two years, during which the participating Ministers will deliberate on collaborative strategies encompassing six priority areas outlined by the IORA. These priorities encompass Trade and Investment, Maritime Safety and Security, Fisheries Management, Disaster Risk Management, and Blue Economy.
The Council’s sessions follow the 25th meeting of the Committee of IORA Senior Officials on October 9 and 10, marking a collective effort to enhance cooperation and address crucial issues among member states and dialogue partners. Established in 1997, the IORA is an intergovernmental organization comprising nations bordering the Indian Ocean, fostering collaboration and engagement across Africa, West Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. The IORA’s membership currently spans 23 member states and includes 11 dialogue partners.
Of noteworthy importance, Sri Lanka’s active participation in the IORA aligns with its regional counterparts, including India, China, Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Afghanistan. This engagement occurs amid ongoing discussions concerning the potential visit of the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 to Sri Lanka, a matter of interest to India and the United States. Foreign Minister Sabry has indicated that the Sri Lankan government has yet to finalize its decision regarding the Chinese vessel’s visit.
Additionally, India and Sri Lanka are set to inaugurate a long-anticipated ferry service connecting Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu with Kankesanthurai in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. This initiative underscores both nations’ commitment to bolstering connectivity and enhancing regional ties.
