Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday reiterated the significance of concerted efforts and shared responsibility for sustainable use of the oceans and also underscored the vital role of IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) in this regard. Bangladesh is hosting the three-day 13th Intergovernmental Session of the IOC (Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission) Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) virtually that began on Tuesday. Also read:FM seeks cooperation from diplomats in bringing back ... Dr Momen inaugurated the session on behalf of the host country and delivered the welcome remarks. He stressed the role of the oceans to the development of human civilization and recovery from crisis. Vo Si Tuan, Chairperson of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific; and Vladimir Ryabinin, IOC Executive Secretary & Assistant Director General of UNESCO also delivered remarks at the inaugural session. Around hundred participants joined the opening day of the three-day session. The Foreign Minister expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all for joining the event amid the ongoing pandemic. Dr Momen appreciated the IOC’s role in encouraging scientific research, technical analyses and syntheses of scientific information needed to effectively address emerging environmental issues. He paid deepest homage to Father of the Nation, architect of Independent Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and recalled his leadership for introducing the Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act in 1974.