On 21 May 2025, H.E. Mr. Chutintorn Gongsakdi, Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the 24th Meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association Council of Ministers (IORA COM) via online conference. The meeting was chaired by Sri Lanka under the theme “Sustainable Indian Ocean for Future Generations”.

The IORA Council of Ministers provides an opportunity for ministers from 23 Member States and 12 Dialogue Partners to share their vision to jointly shape the future direction and policy guidelines for the Association.

At the 24th IORA COM Meeting, Thailand underscored the importance of promoting the blue economy while highlighting the contribution and active role Thailand plays in the said issue under the IORA framework as follows:

(1) On the sustainable utilisation of ocean resources, Thailand focused on sustainable fisheries, regenerative tourism and the application of marine biotechnology. IORA could serve as a platform for exchanging knowledge and transferring cutting-edge technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), whereas Thailand could play a constructive role in bridging the cooperation on the blue economy between IORA and other regional frameworks, namely BIMSTEC and ASEAN, which have signed MOUs with IORA and of which Thailand is a member.

(2) On the preservation and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems, Thailand has placed an emphasis on a community-based approach as well as the application of innovation. In this connection, Thailand proposed IORA to explore advanced technologies such as the scientific tool for precise Blue Carbon data assessment and the new financial mechanisms, e.g., Blue Finance, to strengthen the community’s capacity and mobilise investment in the protection and restoration of marine ecosystems respectively.

The IORA COM also adopted the Colombo Communiqué as the outcome document of the Meeting and endorsed the IORA Principle Guidelines for Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, and the IORA Climate Change Strategic Agenda.

IORA was established in 1997 with an aim and vision to foster a peaceful, stable, prosperous Indian Ocean region that is sustainable and resilient to challenges. The cooperation under the framework covers the priority areas and cross-cutting issues - inter alia, the blue economy, fisheries, academic, science and technology, maritime connectivity, climate change and sustainable development, maritime safety and security.