The signature means that the Federal Republic of Somalia is formally a member of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) which promotes trade and diverse cooperation in many fields including Maritime Safety and Security, Trade and Investment Facilitation, Fisheries Management and Tourism and Cultural Exchanges.

In his Statement H.E. Abdusalam H. Omer highlighted that Somalia is an important member in the Indian Ocean Region and enjoys strong partnerships with almost all of the IORA member States and through our membership we endeavor to strengthen these further whilst establishing and nurturing new relations with other valuable partners in all areas of mutual interest.

The Minister also added that "Somalia as a member State seeks to both contribute and benefit from the partnerships within IORA to advance Somalia’s great economic potential both at sea and in land”.

The Federal Republic of Somalia is committed to the empowering principles of the IORA charter which is built on partnerships and a common endeavor for a more interconnected, interdependent and prosperous Indian Ocean region.