Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid is set to embark on a trip to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in order to take part in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)’s 19th Council of Ministers Meeting.

The ministry revealed that Shahid will be departing on Wednesday night.

FM Shahid is set to join and address the council, to be held on 7th November by the IORA, an organization complete with 22 coastal states bordering the India Ocean and was formed in 1997.

This is the first time Maldives is taking part in the IORA Council of Ministers Meeting, since becoming a member in November 2018.

A preparatory meeting was held on Tuesday, where Maldivian Ambassador Dr. Hussain Niyaz represented the country among all members states.

The idea to establish IORA was initially instilled by former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela during a visit to India in 1995.

During the council, Foreign Ministers from member states will gather at the same platform to discuss policies and reach agreements on future strategic directions.