Australia hosts the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation in Perth

Media release

30 October 2013

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop will welcome foreign ministers from around the Indian Ocean region to Perth this week for the annual Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) meeting.

Australia will assume the role of IOR-ARC Chair for a two year term, taking over from India during the meetings from 30 October to 1 November, 2013. Indonesia will assume the role of Vice Chair.

"Perth is Australia's Indian Ocean capital. These meetings are another opportunity to showcase Western Australia as a major supplier of mineral and agricultural resources fuelling growth in the region, a thriving international business centre and attractive travel destination," Ms Bishop said.

Ms Bishop will chair the 2013 IOR-ARC Council of Ministers meeting on 1 November. The ministerial meeting will be preceded on 30-31 October by discussions between senior officials, business representatives and academics.

"A collaborative approach is the most effective way to combat the ongoing and persistent challenges facing the region including maritime security issues, climate change, sustainability and food security," she said.

IOR-ARC also seeks to foster cooperation in grasping the opportunities presented by the 'blue economy' of ocean ecosystems to generate long-term sustainable economic wealth in member countries. IOR-ARC activities include fisheries management, disaster risk reduction, tourism and academic, science and technology cooperation.