Iran’s candidacy for the Vice-Chairmanship of IORA in the upcoming term
24th IORA Council of Ministers Meeting 2025
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The 24th Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) was held virtually from 19 to 21 May 2025, hosted by Sri Lanka, the current Chair of IORA. The meeting, themed "Sustainable Indian Ocean for Future Generations," brought together ministers and senior representatives from 22 member states and 12 dialogue partners of IORA.
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister, H.E. Mr. Vijitha Herath, delivered the opening address, underscoring the critical role of enduring peace in the Indian Ocean region as a foundation for sustainable development, regional security, and economic resilience. He called for inclusive collaboration among member states and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to fostering a cohesive and forward-looking Indian Ocean community. Minister Herath also emphasized the need for coordinated regional action to ensure the long-term sustainability, security, and prosperity of the Indian Ocean, a region home to over 2.7 billion people and a vital lifeline for global trade and biodiversity.
H.E. Dr. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, addressed the meeting via videoconference. He highlighted the growing significance of the Indian Ocean for humanity and international relations, describing IORA as the most effective framework for dialogue, understanding, and implementing joint projects in the region.
Dr. Araghchi stressed Iran’s longstanding commitment to IORA’s objectives, noting that Iran currently chairs and coordinates the "IORA Working Group on Women’s Economic Empowerment" and the "IORA Academic Group," in addition to hosting the "IORA Regional Centre for Science and Technology Transfer." He also announced Iran’s candidacy for the Vice-Chairmanship of IORA in the upcoming term, stating that this role would enable Iran to contribute more actively to the association.
In his concluding remarks, Iran’s Foreign Minister emphasized the need for IORA to adopt paradigms that enhance resilience against future shocks. He noted that such an approach would not only address the needs of member states but also support the implementation of global agendas in the Indian Ocean region.