NEW DELHI — Somalia participated in a high-level meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in New Delhi, focusing on regional cooperation in maritime security, trade and economic development amid evolving challenges across the Indian Ocean region.
Somalia’s ambassador to India, Dr. Abdullahi Mohamed Odowa, represented the country at the 28th Senior Officials’ Meeting, which brought together delegates from member states.
Participants reviewed IORA’s activities over the past year and discussed emerging regional challenges, along with recommendations to be presented at an upcoming ministerial session.
The meeting highlighted the need for stronger cooperation in maritime security, economic integration, sustainable development and support for coastal communities.
Delegates underscored the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean, whose shipping lanes carry a substantial share of global trade linking Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
Regional challenges discussed included piracy, illegal fishing, maritime crime, climate change and growing geopolitical competition among major powers.
With more than 3,300 kilometres of coastline along the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden, Somalia considers maritime security a key national priority.
In recent years, the Somali government has expanded cooperation with international partners to combat illegal fishing, protect marine resources and promote the blue economy.
Somalia’s participation in the New Delhi meeting reflects its broader efforts to strengthen engagement with regional organizations and enhance its role in regional affairs.
Founded in 1997, IORA comprises 23 member states from Africa, Asia and Oceania and serves as a platform for cooperation in trade, investment, maritime security and sustainable development.
Recommendations from the meeting will be considered at the upcoming Council of Ministers session, where member states are expected to discuss new initiatives addressing shared economic and security concerns.
