Shawdesh desk:

Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts arrives in Dhaka to attend the 22nd meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers scheduled to be held today (Wednesday).

“As the only ministerial-level forum in the Indian Ocean, IORA plays a pivotal role in helping the region work together to address shared challenges,” Tim Watts said adding “Australia is an active member of IORA, and I  am proud to be launching the Australian-funded IORA Blue Carbon Finance Report while in Bangladesh.”

The Australian Minister also look forward to having the opportunity to deepen our engagement with the other 22 member states of IORA and represent Australia’s interests, including a secure, prosperous and inclusive Indian Ocean region that supports independent, sovereign and resilient states.

In Dhaka, he will also meet regional counterparts, including the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, AK Abdul Momen, to discuss Australia’s constructive engagement across the Indian Ocean.

“I look forward to strengthening Australia’s engagement with these important partners,” Tim Watts said in a statement.