The United Arab Emirates (UAE), as the current IORA Chair, will host the 20th IORA Council of Ministers’ (COM) Meeting and its related Meetings from 15 – 17 December 2020, virtually (Platform: Cisco Webex). The COM will be preceded by the 22nd IORA Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) on 15-16 December 2020. The CSO meets twice a year to review progress made by the Association and to make recommendations for endorsement and approval by the COM. The forthcoming CSO Meeting will receive updates on some of the major projects being implemented under the IORA Action Plan (2017-2021).
This year, despite significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions, the IORA Chair will be welcoming Foreign Ministers, Senior Officials and Delegates virtually. The upcoming meetings will provide IORA Member States, Dialogue Partners and the Specialised Agencies with an excellent opportunity to discuss ways to coordinate effort in which they can move forward together in achieving their vision for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region as outlined in the Jakarta Concord and IORA Action Plan.
The meetings' schedule is as follows:
- 15 – 16 December 2020 – 22nd Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) Meeting;
- 16 December 2020 - Interactive Dialogue Session between IORA Senior Officials and Dialogue Partners; and
- 17 December 2020 – 20th IORA Council of Ministers (COM) Meeting.