IORA plays pivotal role: Australian assistant FM

Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts has said the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), as the only ministerial-level forum in the Indian Ocean, plays a pivotal role in helping the region work together to address shared challenges.

“Australia is an active member of IORA, and I am proud to be launching the Australian-funded IORA Blue Carbon Finance Report while in Bangladesh,” he said on Wednesday.

The Australian Assistant Minister will represent Australia at the 22nd meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers to be held in Dhaka on Thursday.

“I also look forward to having the opportunity to deepen our engagement with the other 22 member states of IORA and represent Australia’s interests, including a secure, prosperous and inclusive Indian Ocean region that supports independent, sovereign and resilient states,” he said.

In Dhaka, Tim will also meet regional counterparts, including Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, to discuss Australia’s constructive engagement across the Indian Ocean.