Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Emanuela Del Re, participated by video conference in the 20th Council of Ministers of IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association), a regional organization that aims to facilitate trade and investment among member countries and promote sustainable economic cooperation, of which Italy is a dialogue partner since last year.
As mentioned by the Vice Minister in her speech, this is the first IORA Council of Ministers Meeting in which Italy participates.
“IORA plays a key role in the Indian Ocean region and we are pleased that this year, on a number of occasions, Italy has been able to share its experience and ideas on the blue economy and the response to Covid-19, with Webinars on fisheries, aquaculture, clean energy and sustainable shipping.” – Ms. Del Re highlighted, emphasizing how last October Italy also co-organized an Italy-IORA Meeting dedicated to the development of sustainable cruise tourism.
“Italy considers IORA an ideal partner for giving concrete answers regarding the global economic recovery. We can now count on an Italy-IORA Committee, which brings together key Italian players in the blue economy, both in the public and private sectors.” – she continued and then announced that, in 2021, Italy will further increase cooperation with IORA members. “We have created an Italy-IORA platform, which is already serving online as a catalyst to create awareness about IORA and networking opportunities with our partners in the Indian Ocean region.”
“Also in light of the current crisis, we will do our best to strengthen cooperation between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean, two regions with a great wealth of natural resources, cultural heritage and diversity” – the Vice Minister concluded.
