Secretary General of Indian Ocean Rim Association Dr. Salman Al Farisi on Wednesday paid a courtesy call on President Mohammed Shahabuddin. The meeting was held at Jakarta Convention Centre (JCC) in Indonesia. During the meeting, the secretary general apprised the President of the activities of IORA, press secretary Joynal Abedin told UNB. Bangladesh seeks pharmaceutical products, raw materials export to Indonesia Lauding the initiative taken by Bangladesh for the development of IORA, he also briefed the President on the organization’s future plans. He said they are planning to help landlock countries too. Mentioning the recent development of Bangladesh as a milestone, President Shahabuddin said that many countries are now inspired by Bangladesh. President Shahabuddin in Indonesia to attend ASEAN Summit, East Asia Summit He assured that Bangladesh will play a big role to the development of IORA. Foreign Affairs Minister AK Abdul Momen, Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rear Admiral (rtd) Md Khurshed Alam and secretaries concerned to the President were also present during the meeting. US, Indonesia and 5 other nations hold war drills amid China concerns The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is a dynamic inter-governmental organisation aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region through its 23 Member States and 11 Dialogue Partners.  

Bangladesh and Italy have agreed to contain illegal migration to the European country. Italy has agreed to take skilled workers from Bangladesh under bilateral migration and mobility arrangement, particularly in the construction, shipbuilding and hospitality sectors. The decisions were shared at the Political Consultations held on June 7 in Rome. The Italian side expressed satisfaction that at present over 46% of workers under Flussi Decree are coming to Italy from Bangladesh for seasonal and non-seasonal work. Also read: ‘Bangladeshi migrant workers’ being prepared for post-pandemic labour market’ Bangladesh and Italy held the first-ever Political Consultations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Rome. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and Secretary General of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Riccardo Guariglia led the respective sides at the consultations, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Before the Political Consultations, Foreign Secretary Momen and Secretary General Guariglia signed am memorandum of understanding on Political Consultations between the foreign ministries of Bangladesh and Italy. During the meeting, both countries expressed keen desire to deepen the relations and further engage in multiple areas including trade and investment, technological intervention in Bangladesh’s textile sector, cooperation in defence and security, ICT, agriculture, migration and mobility. Also read: Italy declares state of emergency as migrant numbers surge

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming has said China is ready to join hands with the international community, including member states of the IORA, to contribute to global development, shoulder the responsibilities for unity and progress, and create a better future for the world. He stressed that in face of various risks and challenges, President Xi Jinping has put forward the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, offering Chinese solutions and Chinese wisdom to world peace and development. Read more: IORA ministers meet Thursday, Momen for making the best use of sea Ambassador Li attended the 22nd Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers meeting held in Dhaka on Thursday. This meeting, under the theme of "Harnessing the Opportunities of the Indian Ocean Sustainably for Inclusive Development", discussed the cooperation in COVID-19 response and economic recovery, trade and investment, the blue economy, climate change, disaster mitigation and pollution prevention and marine security, and reached broad consensus on further deepening cooperation within the IORA and building a prosperous and stable Indian Ocean. The IORA's Chair Bangladesh, 23 member states, including the United Arab Emirates, India, Australia, South Africa, and France, as well as ten dialogue partners such as China, the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea attended the meeting. Ambassador Li  participated in and addressed the meeting on behalf of China. He said that as an important economic cooperation organization in the region, the IORA has been committed to strengthening capacity building and promoting solidarity and cooperation among member states and contributing to the lasting stability and sustainable development of the region. Read more: Even after over 2 decades, IORA market not fully explored by member states: Momen As a dialogue partner country, China has always attached importance to the status and role of the IORA, actively participated in various IORA activities and continuously deepened the practical cooperation with the IORA and its member states, he said.  

The 22nd IORA Council of Ministers meeting began at a Dhaka hotel on Thursday morning. With Bangladesh being the current IORA Chair, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen is chairing the meeting. Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an inter-governmental organisation which was established on March 7, 1997. There are 23 member states of IORA and 10 dialogue partners. Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today sought everyone’s support and contribution to take IORA to a new height. Read more: IORA ministers meet Thursday, Momen for making the best use of sea “We will work together for ensuring sustainable development through maximum use of marine resources, keeping our oceans healthy. Let this be our commitment today,” he said while delivering the opening remarks at the IORA Council of Ministers meeting. “Without hesitation, I can say despite the potential for trade and investment, even after more than two decades, the IORA market is not fully explored by its member states,” Momen said. Momen said, it is important to rethink the intra-IORA trade and investment dynamics and adopt an approach that would help untap the trade and investment potential.  Read more: IORA Meetings to focus on undertaking larger projects Strengthening economic relations among IORA member states through a regional trade agreement and the elimination of intra IORA trade and investment barriers are now more important than ever, he said.

Indian Minister of State for External Affairs and Education Rajkumar Ranjan Singh arrived in Dhaka Wednesday to attend the 22nd Indian Ocean Rim Association IORA Council of Ministers (COM) meeting Thursday. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay K Verma welcomed the minister of state for external affairs and education. Rajkumar Ranjan was received by Rokebul Haque, director general (South Asia) of the foreign ministry, at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. Bangladesh, the current Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) chair, will host the 22nd IORA COM meeting. The 24th meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) was held at a Dhaka hotel during November 22-23. Read more: IORA ministers meet Thursday, Momen for making the best use of sea

Bangladesh, the current Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Chair, will host the 22nd IORA Council of Ministers (COM) meeting in Dhaka on Thursday.  The 24th meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) was held here in a Dhaka hotel on November 22-23. Ministers, State Ministers and Assistant Foreign Ministers of the IORA member states are already in Dhaka to attend the meeting.  Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said they want “free, inclusive, secure and peaceful” navigation for all without any encumbrance in the region. The Foreign Minister laid emphasis on making the best use of the sea in a more “regulated, progressive and scientific” way. “In the future, we will take on big projects to maximize gain,” said the Foreign Minister. Momen highlighted the priority areas of the IORA - maritime safety and security; trade and investment facilitation, fisheries management, disaster risk management, tourism and cultural exchanges; academic, science and technology cooperation, blue economy and women’s economic empowerment. He said the ministers and state ministers will jointly meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during their stay in Dhaka. The 24th meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) focused on developing a mechanism to undertake larger projects, prevent piracy, armed robbery, unregulated fishing and disaster management. Decisions taken at the CSO meeting will be placed at the 22nd IORA Council of Ministers (COM) meeting to be held on November 24. Read more: IORA Meetings to focus on undertaking larger projects Currently, no project bigger than US$ 80,000 can be taken but projects with unlimited amounts can be taken if the IORA Development Initiative is approved, according to the IORA. The Indian Ocean Rim Association is an inter-governmental organisation which was established on 7 March 1997. There are 23 Member States of IORA and 10 dialogue partners. IORA committee of senior officials (CSO) expressed deepest condolences to the people and the government of Indonesia over the powerful earthquake that struck Cianjur, West Java recently, resulting in a tragic loss of many lives and people injured. Read more: IORA plays pivotal role, says Australian assistant foreign minister  

Bangladesh, the current Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Chair, will focus on developing a mechanism to undertake larger projects, prevent piracy, armed robbery, unregulated fishing and disaster management as the 24th meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) to be held on here November 22-23. Decisions are taken with consensus based on opinions from all and those decisions will be placed at the 22nd IORA Council of Ministers (COM) meeting to be held on November 24. Currently, no project bigger than US$ 80,000 can be taken but projects with unlimited amounts can be taken if the IORA Development Initiative is approved, according to the IORA. There will be minister and state minister-level participation from 18 countries including Bangladesh. Briefing the reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said they want “free, inclusive, secure and peaceful” navigation for all without any encumbrance in the region. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit) Rear Admiral (Retd) Md. Khurshed Alam, Secretary (East) Mashfee Binte Shamsand and Secretary (West) Shabbir Ahmad Chowdhury at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the media briefing. The Foreign Minister laid emphasis on making the best use of the sea in a more “regulated, progressive and scientific” way. “In the future, we will take on big projects to maximize gain,” said the Foreign Minister. Momen highlighted the priority areas of the IORA - maritime safety and security; trade and investment facilitation, fisheries management, disaster risk management, tourism and cultural exchanges; academic, science and technology cooperation, blue economy and women’s economic empowerment. He said the ministers and state ministers will jointly meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during their stay in Dhaka. The Indian Ocean Rim Association is an inter-governmental organisation which was established on 7 March 1997. There are 23 Member States of IORA and 10 dialogue partners.

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has reiterated his call to diplomats stationed in Dhaka to follow diplomatic norms.  Bangladesh is an independent and sovereign country and they should remember it, Momen said, adding that this culture of diplomats getting involved in the country’s internal affairs must change, today or tomorrow.  Momen said the diplomats stationed here know their code of conduct and they will follow it. "That’s what expected." “We are no longer a colony, they (diplomats) should remember it,” he added. Read more: Russian FM Lavrov’s changed decision on Dhaka visit understandable: Momen He made the remarks this morning while responding to a question at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  He said around 16 countries will have minister and state minister-level participation at 22nd IORA  Council of Ministers meeting, to be held in Dhaka on November 24. Momen said India will have state minister-level participation at the meeting.  Read more: FM Momen urges Japan to stand by Bangladesh in its development journey He said the ministers and state ministers will jointly meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during their stay in Dhaka.  The IORA Council of Ministers meeting, to be hosted by Bangladesh, will be preceded by the 24th meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials, to be held on November 22-23. Read more: Bangladesh’s interest lies in peaceful coexistence with Myanmar: Momen Bangladesh is the current chair of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and Secretary (Maritime Affairs Unit), Secretary (East) and Secretary (West) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present at the media briefing. 

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Thursday hoped that the 22nd IORA Council of Ministers (COM) meeting to be held in Dhaka on November 24 would be a "successful" one with more avenues of cooperation and collaboration on all relevant fronts. Talking to a small group of reporters, he said Bangladesh is expecting minister-level delegation from 14 counties at the meeting. The State Minister said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is coming to Bangladesh mainly to attend the IORA meeting. Russia is a dialogue partner of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) while Bangladesh is the current chair of IORA. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister MUM Ali Sabry is also among the ministers who will join the IROA event. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is likely to be here on November 23 to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest apart from his key focus on the IORA meeting. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen recently hinted that considering the current situation, Bangladesh will explore the possibility of cooperation in the energy sector with Russia during Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s planned official visit here later this month. Bangladesh will also discuss food grains supply and quick implementation of the projects that are in the pipeline including the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. The Russian Foreign Minister is likely to meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina apart from his bilateral meeting with Momen. The visit will give us an opportunity to highlight our challenges and priority issues with Russia, Foreign Secretary Masud told reporters on Sunday. Masud also said Bangladesh wants Russia closer to Bangladesh to find a solution to the Rohingya crisis. Read more: Appropriate steps to be taken if diplomats cross boundary: Shahriar Alam The Foreign Secretary, however, said there are still many days and reminded that Russia remains in an intensive situation. "The invitation to take part in the IORA meeting for Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov has been received and the work is on as regards the possibility of this visit," an official at the Russian Embassy in Dhaka told UNB. Earlier, Foreign Minister Momen invited his Russian counterpart to attend the 22nd IORA Council of Ministers (COM) meeting to be held in Dhaka on November 24. Momen met his Russian counterpart last month in Astana, Kazakhstan on the sidelines of the CICA Summit and apprised him of the current situation of the Rohingya. He stressed the need for stronger international support for resolving the Rohingya crisis. In August, Sergey Lavrov met with his counterpart Wunna Maung Lwin and other top Myanmar officials in Naypyitaw. The IORA Council of Ministers meeting, to be hosted by Bangladesh, will be preceded by the 24th meeting of the Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) to be held on November 22-23. The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an inter-governmental organisation aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region through its 23 Member States and 10 dialogue partners. Read more: Dhaka, Tokyo relations to be strengthened through PM-level talks: Shahriar Alam IORA member states are Australia, Bangladesh, Union of Comoros, French Republic, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Republic of Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. The 23 member states of IORA and 10 dialogue partners are expected to join the ministerial and senior official meetings. Bangladesh assumed the position of the IORA Chair at the 21st IORA COM meeting in Dhaka held on 17 November 2021 and adopted the theme of “Harnessing the opportunities of the Indian Ocean sustainably for inclusive development.”

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen has highlighted the implementation of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Development Agency-Dhaka Development Initiative (IORDA-DDI) to promote regional integration, economic and sustainable development in the region. The initiative by IORA chair Bangladesh aims to establish an IORA development agency to facilitate tangible national or regional-level developmental projects. Masud Bin Momen was delivering the concluding remarks on the final day of the two-day 12th bi-annual meeting of the Committee of the Senior Officials (CSO) of IORA held in Cox's Bazar Friday. Around 50 delegates from 21 IORA members attended the meeting. Masud Bin Momen led the Bangladesh delegation. The foreign secretary emphasised the role of IORA in promoting sustainable growth and balanced development for regional and global development and security. He urged the IORA members to formulate and implement projects for economic cooperation relating to trade facilitation and liberalisation, promotion of investment, and scientific and technological exchanges. Masud Bin Momen underscored the significance of developing ocean economies that are sustainable, equitable and resilient. Mentioning the blue recovery as integral to this process, he urged all to prioritise this opportunity for a blue stimulus. The meeting discussed the progress made to date under the six priority areas and two cross-cutting and financial issues of the association. Read: IORA: India greets member states, dialogue partners marking 25th anniversary Member states also discussed preparations for upcoming events and meetings of IORA's institutional mechanisms as well as the association's engagement with its international partners and special programmes. Also, the meeting provided an opportunity for them to discuss preparations for future IORA events and meetings, taking into consideration the impact of Covid in the past two years. Masud Bin Momen invited all to join the next COS and Council of Ministers' meetings in November this year, to be hosted by Bangladesh as chair.