Indian Ocean Rim Association accepts Turkey’s bid

Turkey’s bid for the status of Dialogue Partnership in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) has been approved, the Turkish Foreign Ministry announced on Saturday.

“Turkey’s Dialogue Partnership with IORA will contribute to strengthening our relations with the Indian Ocean region which has a great economic potential and the rim countries with many of which we have historical affinity, and in this manner to diversify the international relations and promotion of our country, and its quest for new export markets,” the ministry said in a statement.

The decision was taken during the IORA Ministerial Council Meeting, which was held in Durban-South Africa, on Oct. 31-Nov. 2, the ministry added.

“IORA is the only platform that brings together 21 countries (Australia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Bangladesh, Somalia, Kenya, Malaysia, Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, UAE, Yemen, Singapore, Oman, Sri Lanka, Comoros, Seychelles, Mauritius) and has been in operation for more than 20 years,” the ministry added.