IORA influential in global developments: Deputy FM

Addressing the IORA Council of Ministers' Meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Monday, Araqchi urged the IORA member states to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the Association’s six priority areas.

The senior Iranian diplomat further called for focusing on the trade and investment issues in line with cooperation among the IORA member countries.

IORA, an international body founded in 1997, consists of 21 Indian Ocean’s coastal states including Iran. As a regional forum, IORA aims to promote cooperation and closer interaction among the member countries. IORA follows six priority areas consisting of Maritime Safety and Security, Trade Investment Facilitation, Fisheries Management, Disaster Risk Management, Academic, Science and Technology, and Tourism and Cultural Exchanges.

During his address to the Council of Ministers' Meeting, Araqchi referred to lifting of anti-Iran sanctions in January, 2016, saying the move did prepare a proper ground for further economic relations between the IORA member states in the Persian Gulf region, a place where the region joins the Indian Ocean.

Then, Araqchi called on the IORA members to pay attention to the capacities of the Chabahar port in the southeastern Iranian province of Sistan-Baluchestan.

IORA is working for three days under the theme of 'Strengthening Maritime Cooperation for a Peaceful, Stable, and Prosperous Indian Ocean'.

During the IORA 2017 meetings in Indonesia, important issues including maritime security, trade, investment and management of fisheries will be discussed.

The IORA Leaders Summit was preceded by the Committee of Senior Officials Meeting held on March 5, and the Council of Ministers Meeting which is underway in Indonesia.

IORA 2017 brings together the leaders of the 21 IORA member countries and its 7 Dialogue Partners.

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