Consider the following statements regarding Indian Ocean Rim Associati...
Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an intergovernmental organization that was established in 1997. It is aimed at promoting regional cooperation and sustainable development among the countries of the Indian Ocean Rim.
Statement 1: It is an intergovernmental organization established in 1997.
This statement is correct. IORA was established on March 7, 1997, with the signing of the Charter of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation in Mauritius. The organization has its headquarters in Ebene, Mauritius.
Statement 2: All member countries of this organization share a border with the Indian Ocean.
This statement is incorrect. Not all member countries of IORA share a border with the Indian Ocean. The organization consists of 22 member states, including Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and Mozambique. While most of these countries have coastlines along the Indian Ocean, there are a few exceptions like Iran, which is located in the Persian Gulf.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A' - 1 only.
IORA focuses on promoting cooperation in various areas such as maritime safety and security, trade and investment facilitation, fisheries management, disaster risk management, academic and scientific cooperation, tourism, and cultural exchanges among member countries. It provides a platform for dialogue and collaboration to address common challenges and harness opportunities for development in the Indian Ocean region.
The association holds regular meetings and ministerial conferences to discuss and coordinate efforts on various regional issues. It also has several working groups and specialized committees that work on specific areas of cooperation. IORA has collaborated with other regional and international organizations to enhance cooperation and promote regional integration.
In recent years, IORA has gained significance due to the growing importance of the Indian Ocean region in global trade and geopolitics. The region is a vital maritime trade route and is home to a significant portion of the world's population. Enhancing regional cooperation and addressing common challenges such as maritime security, piracy, and climate change are important for the sustainable development and stability of the Indian Ocean region.
In conclusion, IORA is an intergovernmental organization established in 1997 to promote regional cooperation and sustainable development among the countries of the Indian Ocean Rim. While not all member countries share a border with the Indian Ocean, they actively participate in the organization's activities to enhance cooperation and address common challenges in the region.