SA chairs 17th Indian Ocean Rim meeting

SOUTH Africa is hosting the 17th meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in Durban. Minister for International Relations and Co-operation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane opened the meeting as South Africa has taken over chairship of the multilateral body.

The IORA celebrated 20 years of existence this year, and as chair, South Africa has introduced the theme of uniting the peoples of Africa, Asia, Australasia and the Middle East through co-operation. The aim is to ensure that the Indian Ocean Rim becomes a zone for peace and development.

Nkoana-Mashabane shared with her guests the fact that South Africa designated 2017 as the year of OR Tambo. “OR Tambo envisaged an Indian Ocean region wherein all countries live in peace and harmony, a far cry from the destabilising actions of the previous regime in South Africa,” Mashabane said.

When Tambo made a speech from Mozambique in 1993 he said, “The ANC adds its voice to Mozambique and other littoral states in demanding the Indian Ocean be declared a zone of peace, free of military and naval bases, and nuclear arms.”

South Africa’s three main priorities as chair of the IORA are maritime safety and security, to improve responsibility for disaster and risk management, and to ensure sustainable and responsible fisheries, particularly dealing with illegal fishing.

South Africa would like to see an increased focus on tourism, and greater involvement with the region’s dialogue partners.

The Blue Economy is a vital feature of the IORA and South Africa has made harnessing and development of the blue economy a priority in order to spur economic growth.

To give effect to South Africa’s priorities, Mashabane said, “I am very pleased to announce that South Africa will make a financial contribution to the IORA comprising approximately $250 000 (R3.3 million). This contribution will comprise several components inclusive of a contribution of $150 000 to fund the implementation of the IORA Action Plan 2017-2021, particularly for the establishment of the new working groups on the Blue Economy, Maritime Safety and Security, Women’s Economic Empowerment, and the Core Group on Tourism.

“Furthermore, we will allocate some $100 000 to the IORA Special Fund for pilot projects aimed at improving the lives of the IORA’s poorest people,” Mashabane said.