24th Council of Ministers Meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Concludes with Progress on Six Priority Areas

Strategic Insights -

The 24th Council of Ministers Meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), chaired by Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism of Sri Lanka, successfully concluded on May 21, 2025. The meeting, held in a virtual format, brought together Prime Minister, Foreign Ministers, and senior representatives from 23 IORA Member States and 12 Dialogue Partners. The deliberations focused on advancing cooperation in IORA's six priority areas: Trade and Investment, Maritime Safety and Security, Fisheries Management, Disaster Risk Management, Academic, Science and Technology Cooperation, Blue Economy, and Women's Economic Empowerment. Key outcomes include the adoption of the IORA Guidelines on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing and the IORA Climate Agenda, as well as the welcome of the European Union as a new Dialogue Partner.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 24th Council of Ministers Meeting of the IORA concluded on May 21, 2025, with Hon. Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism of Sri Lanka, serving as Chair.
  • The meeting brought together representatives from 23 IORA Member States, 12 Dialogue Partners, and the Secretary General of IORA, with a focus on advancing cooperation in six priority areas.
  • Key outcomes include the adoption of the IORA Guidelines on IUU Fishing and the IORA Climate Agenda, as well as the welcome of the European Union as a new Dialogue Partner.
  • The Colombo Communique, highlighting progress achieved since the previous COM held in October 2023, was also adopted by the 24th COM.
  • Sri Lanka has led several key initiatives during its 2023-2025 Chairmanship, including IORA Day 2024 and the inaugural IORA Business Conclave.
  • Preparations are underway to launch a digital platform for the IORA Center of Excellence on Ocean Sciences and Environment.

Statistics:

  • 23 IORA Member States participated in the meeting.
  • 12 Dialogue Partners participated in the meeting, including the European Union, which was welcomed as a new partner.
  • The IORA Climate Agenda and the IORA Guidelines on IUU Fishing were adopted by the 24th COM.
  • Since October 2023, Sri Lanka has conducted several key initiatives, including IORA Day 2024 and the inaugural IORA Business Conclave.
  • Over 200 regional business leaders attended the inaugural IORA Business Conclave.
  • Over 800 students participated in IORA Day 2024.

Sources:

  • "IORA Council of Ministers Meeting Concludes with Progress on Six Priority Areas." (Source: IORA)
  • "Colombo Communique Adopted by 24th IORA Council of Ministers." (Source: IORA)
  • "Sri Lanka Leads Key Initiatives During 2023-2025 Chairmanship." (Source: IORA)