UAE to take over Indian Ocean maritime and trade group this week

Officials are meeting in Abu Dhabi as the Emirates is named chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association

The association's 22 members share a coast with the India Ocean

The UAE will take over the chair of an international group of nations focused on maritime security and trade this week.

Representatives of the members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association are to meet in Abu Dhabi.

The Emirates will lead the association from 2019-2021 under the theme of 'Promoting a Shared Destiny and Path to Prosperity in the Indian Ocean'.

IORA is a regional forum consisting of the 22 coastal states bordering the Indian Ocean currently chaired by South Africa.

In total the 22 nations are home to 2.7 billion people.

Senior officials begin meeting on Tuesday for three days of talks, with the IORA Council of Ministers meeting on Thursday.

The association has six priority areas; maritime security, trade and investment, fisheries management, reducing the risk of disaster, scientific cooperation and promoting tourism and cultural exchange.

Speaking in June, Amna Al Suwaidi, deputy director of economic and trade affairs department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said the UAE will focus on vital areas including maritime security, trade and investment, women's economic empowerment and the 'blue economy' - the sustainable use of the oceans for economic growth.