21st Annual Council of Ministers (COM) Meeting of the IORA

Current Context: The 21st Annual Council of Ministers (COM) meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) was held recently in which India participated in a virtual manner.

• The Indian delegation was led by Minister of State External Affairs, Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh.
• The meeting was held in a hybrid format in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
• The Dhaka Communique was adopted at the meeting.
• At the meet, Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh mentioned that India is committed to strengthening IORA, promoting peace, security, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.
• He mentioned that India focuses on having Disaster Risk Management in the region.
• He also appreciated and welcomed Russian Federation as the new Dialogue Partner of IORA.
• At the meeting, Ambassador Salman Al-Farisi was selected as the next Secretary-General (SG) of IORA.
• Static Part: 
• HQ of IORA: Ebene, Mauritius.

Question: 

Q.1 Which country hosted the 21st Annual Council of Ministers (COM) meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)?
a. Thailand
b. Somalia
c. France
d. Bangladesh