Indian Ocean Conference to begin in Muscat on Sunday
Muscat: Activities of 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) will begin in Muscat this Sunday. The two-day event is hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Foreign Ministry, under the theme 'Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership'.
In a press conference held at the Foreign Ministry today, Sheikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs said that Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister will open the conference, with the participation of ministers and officials representing 60 countries and international organizations from the countries bordering the Indian Ocean and countries that have a relationship with the Sultanate of Oman.
He explained that the Sultanate of Oman's host of this conference reflects its history and maritime relationship through the Indian Ocean. He added in this context: "As you know, the Omanis were sailors who sailed the seas for hundreds of years, reaching China, India and East Africa'.
He affirmed that the Sultanate of Oman's host of this conference is not the first initiative, but rather it is one of the founding countries of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), which was established in 1997, and has also hosted many conferences related to the seas and the blue economy.
Al Harthy pointed out that the aim of this conference is to enhance cooperation in various economic and security aspects between the countries bordering the Indian Ocean, in addition to the countries that have interests in this ocean. It also reflects the interest of the Sultanate of Oman in enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean, its support for sustainable trade, developing cooperation mechanisms among countries, enhancing economic interests, sustaining ocean resources, and improving transportation and maritime security capabilities, added Sheikh Al Harthy.
He further noted that the conference also aims to familiarize the participants with the capabilities enjoyed by the Sultanate of Oman in various aspects, including infrastructure and ports, which enhance Oman as an attractive investment destination.
He added that bilateral meetings will be held on the sidelines of the conference between the Foreign Minister and his counterparts.
On his turn, Dr. Ram Madhav, President of the India Foundation, affirmed that the 8th edition of the Indian Ocean Conference is the largest compared to previous ones, and participation will not be limited to countries bordering the Indian Ocean only as some Arab and Asian countries will participate in the event.
He pointed out that the foreign ministers of 27 countries will deliver speeches during the conference, presenting their countries' visions on common security challenges and ways to enhance maritime partnerships. He affirmed that the main goal of the conference is to establish partnerships and develop cooperation between the various participating countries and organizations.
He explained that the importance of this event lies in the fact that the Indian Ocean overlooks 36 countries with a population of 3 billion, and that 70 percent of maritime trade passes through this ocean. He noted that the event will address many urgent issues such as climate change, maritime security, piracy, human trafficking, and disaster relief.
The conference is an annual international platform that aims to enhance regional cooperation and address challenges facing the Indian Ocean region.
The 8th edition of the conference will discuss means of strengthening maritime partnerships, improving trade links, backing sustainable development and issues related to maritime security, ensuring freedom of navigation and utilizing modern technology to enhance port security and governance.
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