IOR-ARC chief discusses ways to promote connectivity between member states

TEHRAN,June 8(MNA) – The secretary general of the Indian Ocean Rim-Association for Regional Cooperation, Ambassador K. V. Bhagirath, discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the member states with the Seychelles minister of tourism and culture, Mr. Alain St.Ange, at a meeting in Ebene Cyber City, Mauritius, on May 28. Iran is a member of the IOR-ARC, which is the only pan-Indian ocean grouping. Following is the text of the press release: Ambassador K. V. Bhagirath, the Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC), welcomed Minister Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, at the Headquarters of the Association at Cybercity, Ebene, in Mauritius on 28 May 2013. The focus of the meeting was on cooperation between the IOR-ARC and the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Regional Organization which is currently being headed by Minister St.Ange of the Seychelles. The main discussion between the Secretary-General and the Minister of Tourism and Culture touched on how IOR-ARC could promote wider connectivity between the member countries. By expanding air links between the member countries it is believed that the region would be in a better position to develop true regional cooperation and to establish sustainable development. Minister St. Ange said that “as the President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Regional Organization, it is important for me to discuss cooperation with all our regional bodies touching our group of islands. Developing cooperation with the IOR-ARC will strengthen not only our organization but also our region”. The Secretary General of IOR-ARC utilized the meeting with the Minister to brief him on the Tourism Feasibility Study conducted on the Indian Ocean region and of which the second phase of the study will commence soon. The Secretary-General and the Minister agreed that an IOR-ARC Travel and Tourism Mart to be hosted by the Seychelles in 2014 would be recommended where IOR-ARC Member States’ Tourism Ministers could come together to discuss the strengthening and expansion of the Region’s tourism industry.