IORA Leaders Summit held in Jakarta
The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Leaders’ Summit was recently held in Jakarta, capital of Indonesia from March 5 to 7, 2017.
The theme of the summit was ‘Strengthening Maritime Cooperation for a Peaceful, Stable and Prosperous Indian Ocean’. It was attended by leaders from 21 member states of IORA. From India, Vice President Hamid Ansari attended the two-day summit.
Key Highlights of IORA 2017
- It drew attention on issues of regional interest such as maritime security, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, fisheries management, people-to-people exchanges, trade and investment and tourism.
- 21 member states issued a strategic vision document known as the Jakarta Concord. It sets out a vision strengthening the regional architecture to face its challenges.
- It also issued Joint Declaration of the IORA business Community to build partnership for a sustainable and equitable economic growth.
- It also adopted IORA Action Plan, a document containing the implementation actions of the Jakarta Concord to strengthen the implementation of priority areas and cross-sectorial commitments.
- The Declaration on Preventing and Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism was also adopted, stating importance of countering terrorism.
- The member nations stressed on the need to work together in order to eliminate the growth and spread of terrorism and violent extremism.
About Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)
- IORA is an international organisation consisting of coastal states bordering the Indian Ocean, established in 1997 to promote cooperation in the IOR.
- It is a regional forum, tripartite in nature, bringing together representatives of Government, Academia and Business for promoting co-operation and closer interaction among them.
- It is based on the principles of Open Regionalism for strengthening Economic Cooperation particularly on Trade Facilitation and Investment, Promotion as well as Social Development of the region.
- IORA comprises 21 member states (including India) and 7 dialogue partners. Besides, Indian Ocean Research Group and the Indian Ocean Tourism Organisation have observer status.
Month: Current Affairs - March, 2017