The Maldives has drawn attention to the risks and exposure that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face due to the effects of climate change. The statement was made by Foreign Secretary Ahmed Latheef at the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The meeting was held under the theme Strengthening Regional Architecture: Reinforcing the Indian Ocean Identity.
The meeting brought together ministers and other high-level delegates from the 23 member states of IORA and Dialogue Partners, and they reiterated their commitment to the IORA goals and objectives enshrined in the Charter, as well as the commitments made by the previous Council of Ministers Meetings. The Colombo Communiqué was adopted at the end of the meeting.
In his statement to the Council of Ministers, Foreign Secretary Latheef highlighted the priority areas in which the Maldives wishes to engage with IORA and its member states and stated the importance of fostering collaboration and partnerships through the Indian Ocean to address common challenges and harness the potential of the region for sustainable development.