President Abdulla Yameen has decided to participate in the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-operation (IORA). 

The decision was made on Thursday at the advisement of the cabinet, the Presdient’s Office announced.

IORA is a regional forum that comprises of coastal states on and surrounding the Indian Ocean. 

The forum is led by India, Australia, and Indonesia. 

It intends to promote sustainable growth and achieve balanced development in the region, bolster economic co-operation, and promote liberalization and free commerce. 

The main areas of cooperation include tourism, the regional economy, science and technology, fisheries, and human resource development.