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JAKARTA / WAM
The UAE participated in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Leaders’ Summit and other related meetings that took place in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, from March 5-7 under the slogan “Strengthening Naval Cooperation to Achieve Peace, Stability and Welfare in the Indian Oceanâ€.
The IORA Summit marked the occasion of the association’s 20th year and is considered to be its first leaders’ summit since its establishment in 1997.
The UAE delegation was headed by Dr Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, who gave the UAE’s speech to the summit, which stressed the increasing importance of the Indian Ocean as a stage for global commerce and security.
She highlighted the importance of taking effective joint steps to meet the challenges facing the Indian Ocean region, such as piracy, regional maritime border conflicts, and environmental challenges on coastal and sea resources.
She also spoke of the importance of energy sustainability, investment in renewable energy and environmental protection, as important factors in achieving the welfare of the Indian Ocean region.
She then pointed to the increased danger of terrorism and violent extremism and clarified the position of the UAE, which demanded the strengthening of the IORA to assist greater international co-operation, to achieve regional and global stability.