The 24th Council of Ministers (COM) Meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) successfully concluded on 21st May 2025 under the Chairmanship of Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism of Sri Lanka. The meeting was preceded by the 27th Meeting of the Committee of IORA Senior Officials, held from 19–20 May 2025 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 Minister, Foreign Ministers and senior representatives from 23 IORA Member States and 12 Dialogue Partners participated at the COM along with the Secretary General of IORA. Deliberations focused on advancing cooperation in 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 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.
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