First summit milestone for IORA: President Zuma

 South African President Jacob Zuma said the first IORA (the Indian Ocean Rim Association) Summit held in commemorating the 20 years of IORA, is a milestone in the history of the regional organization.

"This summit is very successful and an important milestone in the history of the IORA for 20 years," President Zuma said at a press conference here, Tuesday.

Zuma appreciated the agreement documents produced by the member states, namely Jakarta Concord and the IORA Action Plan.

"The Jakarta Concord and the Action Plan will encourage the IORA towards the next decade. The concord has been able to increase cooperation in the region," he said.

The document titled "Promoting Regional Cooperation for a Peaceful, Stable, and Prosperous Indian Ocean" aims to lay the foundation and set the course for cooperation for the organization of Indian Ocean states in the coming years.

In the Jakarta Concord, the IORA states Reviews their declared commitment to promoting maritime safety in the region; enhancing trade and investment cooperation in the region; promoting the sustainable management and development of fisheries; enhancing disaster risk management in the region; strengthening academic, science, and technology cooperation; fostering tourism and cultural exchanges; Blue Economy; and empowering women in the economy.

In order to implement the Jakarta Concord, the member countries also agreed on the IORA Action Plan 2017-2021, which contains short, medium, and long-terms initiatives.

"In addition, South Africa also welcomed the results of business meetings which signed by the Chamber of Commerce and the privates of IORA member states," President Zuma said, adding that South Africa is ready to become the next chairman of IORA.

"South Africa is proud to be one of the IORA founders. We will await your arrival in South Africa. I am happy and will continue to work closely with Indonesia," Zuma added.

Source: ANTARA