Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Abdulla Khaleel has urged nations across the Indian Ocean region to act swiftly in strengthening maritime security and addressing worsening environmental concerns. His remarks came during the 24th Ministerial Meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), held virtually under the theme "Sustainable Indian Ocean for Future Generations".
In his statement, Minister Khaleel underscored the significance of protecting the Indian Ocean, a vital artery for global trade and biodiversity, and called for intensified regional collaboration to counter the escalating effects of climate change and illegal fishing, which threaten economic stability and marine ecosystems.
The meeting convened representatives from 23 member states, reaffirming the organisation's role in advancing cooperation across the region. IORA, established on 7 March 1997, traces its origins to Nelson Mandela's visit to India in 1995, which inspired the Indian Ocean Rim Initiative later that year. The Maldives became the organisation's 22nd Member State on 8 November 2019, strengthening its engagement in multilateral efforts aimed at fostering security and sustainable development.