Sri Lanka assures IORA continued support

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

The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is the only regional organization 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 & Security, Trade and Investment Facilitation, Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Academic, Science & Technology Cooperation and Tourism and?cultural Exchangesare 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 communityand 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 programmes.

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.