Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs Chung Byung-won (left) on May 21 speaks at an online meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

By Aisylu Akhmetzianova

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs Chung Byung-won on May 21 pledged more support for the peace and prosperity of the Indian Ocean Rim region through the newly launched Korea-Indian Ocean Cooperation Fund.

The official was speaking at the meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

 
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said those at the meeting held via videoconferencing discussed sustainable development in the region and reinforced partnership among countries there.

Launched in 1997 by India and South Africa, IORA is a regional negotiating body to boost economic and social cooperation among countries in the Indian Ocean Rim.

Among the body's 23 member countries, 12 are dialogue partners: Korea, the U.S., Japan, China, U.K., Germany, Egypt, Turkiye (Turkey), Italy, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the European Union.

"The Korean government this year plans to launch the Korea-Indian Ocean Cooperation Fund worth about USD 400,000," Deputy Minister Chung said. "We will work closely with IORA to find and promote joint projects such as sustainable harbor development and use of marine resources."

In addition, IORA member states and dialogue partners through statements gave their opinions on the direction of the group's development. To achieve practical results, they pledged to build a systematic cooperation partnership among such players and raise the body's role.

aisylu@korea.kr