Australia nominates to be Vice Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation
Media release
6 July 2010
Today I announced that Australia has agreed to be a nominee for the position of Vice Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) for 2011 and 2012.
The Indian Ocean Rim is of critical economic and strategic importance to Australia. It is home to more than 2.5 billion people, almost 40 per cent of the world's population.
The security of its waters goes to the heart of Australia's national interests. Indian Ocean shipping routes are vital to our trading interests, particularly for the export of minerals, petroleum and energy resources to meet the rising demand in India itself, China, the Gulf and the Middle East.
The Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation is the region's largest grouping. If Australia's bid for Vice Chair is successful, Australia would follow India to become the Chair of IOR-ARC for 2013 and 2014. A decision on Australia's bid will be considered by IOR-ARC's Council of Ministers on 5 August 2010.
As a founding member, Australia is committed to the success of the Association. We are working with the current IOR-ARC Chair Yemen, and look forward to working with the next Chair India and other members, to continue to increase the relevance and focus of IOR ARC activities.
Media inquiries
- Minister's Office: (02) 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555