The 20th committee meeting of Indian Ocean Memorandum of Understanding (IOMOU) has begun in the Maldives.
The Indian Ocean Memorandum of Understanding (IOMOU) is a body which was created to ensure safety and security of oceans, to allow safe passage for vessels traveling in the regional seas. The five day IOMOU committee meeting is being held in Paradise Island Resort from August 20 to 24, with the participation of 15 out of the 18 member countries.
The opening ceremony of the meeting was honored by Minister of State for Economic Development, Abdul Latheef Mohamed. Speaking at the opening ceremony, the State Minister cited the importance of IOMOU to an island nation like Maldives. He referred to Maldives being depended on imports, the safety of cargo vessels involved in the operation is critical for a country like Maldives.
Speaking at opening of the committee meeting, Chairman of IOMOU, Francoise Beaugrand stated that ensuring safety and security of vessels and oceans is of utmost importance. He further noted the importance of the committee meeting.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Director General of Maldives Transport Authority, Abdul Nasir Mohamed said that discussions during the committee meeting will focus on regulations regarding the safety and security of oceans and vessels.
Maldives became a member of IOMOU in 2000. This is the second committee meeting of IOMOU held in Maldives since 2005.
The Memorandum was kept open for signature at the Head Quarters of the Secretariat in Goa, India, from June 5, 1998 to January 22, 1999. The first committee meeting of the Memorandum took place at Goa from January 20 to 22, 1999. During this period and at the first meeting, Australia, Eritrea, India, Sudan, South Africa and Tanzania signed the acceptance of the Memorandum of Understanding. Subsequently, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Iran, Kenya, Maldives, Oman, Yemen, France, Bangladesh, Comoros, Mozambique and Seychelles acceded to the MOU. As of March 2017, 18 countries have become parties to the Memorandum. The Memorandum came into effect on April 1, 1999.