On 24 November 2022, H.E. Mr. Vijavat Isarabhakdi, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended the 22nd Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Meeting of the Council of Ministers (COM) chaired by Bangladesh in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The Meeting held a strategic dialogue on the topic of “Saving Environment of the Indian Ocean” and exchanged views on potential cooperation in the Indian Ocean. Thailand urged IORA member states to develop sustainable and resilient economy to cope with current geopolitical challenges and to promote sustainable use of ocean and marine resources. Furthermore, Thailand encouraged IORA to incorporate a sustainable approach and implementation, such as combatting IUU fishing and marine debris in its work plans and draw on the Bangkok Goals on BCG Economy and complement APEC’s sustainability agenda to leverage the opportunities in the Indian Ocean for sustainable economic recovery and inclusive development in the Indian Ocean region.

The Meeting adopted the Dhaka Communique which acknowledges the progress made under IORA and reflects member states’ commitment to work collectively to promote post-pandemic economic recovery as well as recognizes climate change as an important part of IORA’s agenda.

IORA was established in 1995 to enhance economic cooperation, trade and investment facilitation and sustainable development of the Indian Ocean region. Currently, IORA has 23 member states and 10 dialogue partners.