Oman and 20 other member countries at the 20th summit of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) on Tuesday signed the Jakarta Concord, pledging to build a stable, peaceful and prosperous region. Assigned by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, Dr Yahya bin Mahfoudh al Mantheri, Chairman of the State Council led the Sultanate delegation. In the document “Promoting Regional Cooperation for a Peaceful, Stable, and Prosperous Indian Ocean”, IORA members pledged their commitment to building the Indian Ocean into a stable, well developled region through cooperation in various sectors.
Priorities include promoting maritime security, trade and investment improvement, promote and develop a sustainable and accountable fishery sector, improve the management to anticipate disaster risk, strengthen cooperation on knowledge and science, encouraging tourism industry and cultural exchange, promote ‘blue economy’ drive and improving women’s role in the economy. In his speech Dr Al Mantheri praised the achievements of IORA and the efforts made to ensure the success and sustainability of IORA. The Sultanate called for more efforts to address challenges faced by the world, ensure optimum utilisation of the natural and human resources and enhance cooperation among IORA members to achieve the aims and objectives of IORA leaders and peoples towards more prosperity and welfare. — ONA