WANA (May 23) – Iran’s Foreign Minister emphasized that “IORA has proven to be a forum relevant to the needs of its member states and the best available framework for dialogue, understanding, and implementation of joint projects in the Indian Ocean region.”

 

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, delivered a speech at the virtual meeting of foreign ministers of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) member states.

 

In this videoconference speech, Araghchi said: “The importance of the Indian Ocean for human society and relations among nations is growing. IORA has proven to be a forum relevant to the needs of its member states and the best available framework for dialogue, understanding, and implementation of joint projects in the Indian Ocean region.”

 

Emphasizing that “The Islamic Republic of Iran has always contributed to the realization of IORA’s goals,” the Foreign Minister said: “This approach has been further strengthened in recent years. Iran currently serves as the chair and coordinator of the ‘IORA Working Group on Women’s Economic Empowerment’ and the ‘IORA Academic Group’ and is the host of the ‘IORA Regional Centre for Science and Technology Transfer.’”

 

The speech continued: “The Islamic Republic of Iran has also announced its candidacy for the position of IORA Vice-Chair for the upcoming term. Attaining this position would place Iran in a situation to have greater participation in IORA.”

 

Araghchi concluded by emphasizing: “In order for the peoples of member states and future generations to benefit from a more sustainable and productive ocean, IORA must advance its paradigms, visions, and programs in a way that makes the region more resilient to possible future shocks. This approach will both meet the needs of member countries and help implement global agendas in the Indian Ocean region.”