What’s in the news?

• India, France and the UAE have agreed to establish a formal trilateral cooperation initiative with the aim of expanding cooperation in various fields of mutual interest. 
• The three sides agreed that the trilateral initiative will serve as a forum to promote the design and execution of cooperation projects in the fields of energy, in the fight against climate change and the protection of biodiversity particularly in the Indian Ocean region.
• The three countries said that they will explore the possibility of working with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) to pursue concrete, actionable projects on clean energy, environment and biodiversity. 
• It was also noted that the initiative will serve as a platform to expand cooperation between the development agencies of three countries on sustainable projects.  
• The three countries will also seek to ensure greater alignment of their respective economic, technological and social policies.

IORA

• IORA is an inter-governmental organisation which was established in 1997 to strengthen regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean region.
• IORA consists of 22 Member States (including India) and 10 Dialogue Partners.
• IORA’s apex body is the Council of Foreign Ministers (COM) which meets annually.
• IORA became an observer to the UN General Assembly and the African Union in 2015.
• Decisions made within IORA are reached by consensus and commitments are undertaken on a voluntary basis.
• The IORA Secretariat is based in Mauritius. It is headed by a fixed term Secretary-General. 

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=India%2c-France%2c-UAE-agree-for-trilateral-cooperation-initiative%2c-in-fields-including-energy%2c-defence%2c-economy&id=455224