Bangladesh is hosting the 13th Intergovernmental Session of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC) virtually from April 27 to 29, 2021.
Foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has inaugurated the 3-day Session on behalf of the host country and delivered the welcome remarks.
Momen emphasized on conducting more timely research on the availability, sustainable utilization and exploration of the marine resources that are available in nature.
He requested IOC WESTPAC for more innovative approaches in capacity building programme and sought support for engaging young researchers and scientists of Bangladesh in its ongoing and future research initiatives.
Momen expressed his hope that IOC WESTPAC will work as a platform for promoting sustained growth and balanced development through the optimum use of ocean resources.
He stated that IOC WESTPAC has immense potential for maritime cooperation in the region especially on maintaining Marine Biodiversity and Healthy Ocean Ecosystem, Climate Change, Seafood Security and Safety and Ocean Science.
He paid deepest homage to the Father of the Nation, Architect of Independent Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and recalled his leadership for introducing the Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act in 1974.
The foreign minister also praised the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in resolving the delimitation of the maritime boundary and attaining undisputed sovereignty over a huge maritime area in the Bay of Bengal.
Chairperson of the IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific Vo Si Tuan, and IOC Executive Secretary and Assistant Director General of UNESCO Vladimir Ryabinin also delivered remarks at the inaugural session.
Around hundred participants joined the opening day of the 3-day session.
