ZCZC
BSS-06
PM-IORA-CONFERENCE 2 LAST DHAKA
Sheikh Hasina welcomed the ministers, delegates and the representatives of
the IORA countries to the 3rd Blue Economy Ministerial Conference.
“I hope that your decisions to be taken in unison and in friendly
atmosphere that will help build a unified sustainable blue economic belt in
this region,” she said.
The premier said it is a bitter truth that oceans are now under ominous
threat owing to the human-induced causes like over extraction/exploitation of
resources, environmental pollution, oil spill, littering of plastic wastes,
underwater noise pollution and above all the climate change.
All these activities, she said, are resulting in further heating of
seawater and thereby imposing threats to the marine biodiversity.
The prime minister said not only that, most of the IORA member states are
highly vulnerable to Tsunami and cyclones and global warming as climate
change is threatening the ecology, including the plants and animals life.
Sheikh Hasina said oceans and seas absorb almost 30% of all greenhouse
gases as well as 90% of the excess heat caused by global warming and the
existence of human race will be in peril if the marine ecological system
disrupts.
“We need to respond very quickly to tackle these challenges. We need to be
concerned about the all kinds of illegal activities in the ocean. We have to
realize that every investment we make and every step we take to protect our
oceans and marine resources is well-worth in the long-term regional
benefits,” she said.
In this connection, the premier mentioned that for conservation of the
marine lives, Bangladesh has completely banned fishing by destructive methods
and means.
Bangladesh has declared its ‘Zero Tolerance’ for curbing and countering
terrorism, she said adding that the country also has adopted acts, rules and
laws to stop criminal activities within its sovereign territory.
“I hope, all the relevant issues required to support our cause and move
forward to pursue our shared goal and universal welfare will be discussed at
the Ministerial Conference,” she said.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen, IORA Chairperson and South African
Deputy Minister for Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Makhotso Madeline
Sotyu, IORA Secretary General Dr Nomvuyo N. Nokwe, Secretary General of the
International Seabed Authority Michael W Lodge also spoke on the occasion,
while Secretary of Maritime Affairs Unit of the Foreign Ministry Rear Admiral
(retd) Khorshed Alam delivered the welcome address.
Ministers, PM’s advisers, parliament members, foreign diplomats,
dignitaries and high civil and military officials were present at the
function.
Ministers, deputy ministers and high government officials and experts,
including secretaries of 22 member states and 9 dialogue partner countries of
the IORA are participating in the conference that began yesterday.
The conference will adopt the Dhaka Declaration and other outcome
documents aimed to illustrate the commitment of IORA Member States to further
strengthen and deepen cooperation on Blue Economy priority areas in the years
to come.
The inter-governmental organisation IORA was established in 1997 with 21
countries bordering the Indian Ocean – Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros, India,
Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman,
Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand,
United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Japan, Germany, China, the UK, the US, France, and Egypt are the dialogue
partners of IORA.
BSS/SH/RY/1250 hrs