Australia Supports Indonesia's Agenda To Promote IORA

JAKARTA, March 7 (Antara) - Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said that she fully supports Indonesia's agenda to promote the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) as a significant organization in a global scale. The statement was made in Jakarta Convention Centre in between the Ministerial level meeting, which is part of the 2017 IORA Summit, on Monday. "As Head of the IORA from 2013 to 2015, Australia has always supported Indonesia's ambitious agenda to promote IORA consisting of 21 country members and seven dialogue partner countries, as a significant forum," Bishop noted. She further stated that the Association's 20th anniversary also serves as a milestone of the regional organization, which houses a variety of nations and countries. She also believed that IORA member countries face the same challenges and therefore, they need to join their forces in order to come up with a joint solution. "We need to take steps for maritime security and safety, fisheries management, disaster risk management, trade and investment cooperation opportunities, and cultural exchanges," she remarked. The Australian government, wishes to continue its cooperation, within IORA, to prevent terrorism and extremism that involves violence, she underlined. "Australia especially welcomes the IORA Declaration on the Eradication and Prevention of Terrorism and Violent Extremism in the Indian Ocean region as the spearhead of the terrorism prevention scheme," she stressed. The declaration also shows the importance of information sharing and cooperation in combating terrorism, she stated. "I would like to congratulate Indonesia for its competence in managing the diversity in the Indian Ocean after two years," Bishop said. Australia has been a part of the IORA since it was first established in 1997 and played its role in promoting the organization's agenda during its period as leader of the IORA from 2013 to 2015. Besides attending the IORA Summit, Bishop will also meet Vice President Jusuf Kalla and Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi during her stay in Jakarta. "I will also meet a number of influential women leaders from businesses, the media, and communities," she stated. The Indian Ocean Rim Association consists of 21 country members and plays an important role in strengthening regional security cooperation.