Mauritius, 24 September 2020: The Republic of India, today signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Governments of the Member States of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for the Coordination and Cooperation of Search and Rescue (SAR) Services in the Indian Ocean Region.
Mr. Tanmaya Lal, High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, in the presence of Her Excellency, Dr Nomvuyo N. Nokwe, IORA Secretary General.
‘’India as one of the most active Member States and as the Lead Coordinator for IORA’s Priority Area of Disaster Risk Management (DRM), have contributed tremendously to the prosperity for the Indian Ocean Region. Today, another milestone is reached by signing the MOU on SAR and I believe India, in its capacity as the Lead Coordinator for DRM, would strengthen and guide the way forward in implementing this crucial MOU, considering the ever increasing disasters which we face’’, said Secretary-General H.E. Dr. Nomvuyo N. Nokwe.
During his remarks, H.E. Mr. Tanmaya Lal, reiterated India’s commitment to strengthen IORA and the priority area of DRM. He further applauded the contribution and activities made by Member States to SAR operations throughout the region and emphasised the importance of the MoU to further enhance this crucial collaboration.
The MoU aims to promote consultation and cooperation among IORA Member States and to establish a framework for coordinating aeronautical and maritime search and rescue operations that occur within the Indian Ocean.
IORA is the apex regional organization in the Indian Ocean region with 22 Member States and 10 Dialogue Partners, stretching from South Africa in the west, running up the eastern coast of Africa, along the Gulf to South and Southeast Asia, reaching Australia in the east.
For further information see www.iora.int or contact: hq@iora.int.
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