20th IORA Council of Ministers Meet

Current Context: The 20th Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers (COM) Meeting was held virtually under the Chairmanship of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

• The theme for the meet was: ‘Promoting a Shared Destiny and Path to Prosperity in the Indian Ocean’.
• India was represented by V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs.
• The meet was inaugurated by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the UAE.
• The meeting was held to discuss the vision of IORA in order to achieve peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region. 
• Also, France has become the 23rd member of IORA.
• During the meet, an agreement was signed between member states of IORA for the purpose of cooperation in Search and Rescue (SAR) in the Indian Ocean Region by India and Maldives.
• Static Part: 
• HQ of IORA: Ebene, Mauritius
• Secretary-General of IORA: Nomvuyo N. Nokwe
• IORA is comprised of 22 member states (France newly added as 23rd member) and 10 dialogue partners.

Question: 

Q.1 Which country held the chairmanship of 20th IORA Council of ministers meet?
a. United Arab Emirates
b. Yemen
c. Malaysia
d. France