Ladies and Gentlemen
The importance of oceans and their critical role in the
life, transport and development of trades and fisheries of the human societies
require no emphasis, and the Islamic Republic of Iran pays special attention to
the potentials of such bodies of water, especially due to her adjacency to the
Indian Ocean.
In the recent years, the Ports and Maritime Organization
(PMO) has achieved extensive knowledge and capability in this field, through
conducting ICZM studies, monitoring and simulation of Makran Coasts, precise
studies over wave systems, tropical storms and tsunamis, and establishment of
vast networks to measure hydrographic parameters (including port meteorology,
waves, currents, and tides), and thus paved the way for sustainable development
of these coasts and promotion of maritime safety in the Indian Ocean by
establishing rich and comprehensive databases of the relevant hydrographic and
oceanographic parameters.
The exclusive and strategic approach of the Islamic Republic
of Iran to Chabahar Port, through extensive investment toward its development
as the largest ocean port of the country, as well as the expansion of minor
local ports on the coasts of the Indian Ocean, verify the significance of
developing these areas and making sustainable and optimal use of their
capacities and resources.
I take this opportunity to announce the preparedness of PMO
for participation in joint commercial, scientific, and research activities, as
we believe the vastness of this region calls for the cooperation of neighboring
States, establishment of international monitoring networks, exchange of data,
installation of regional systems to monitor and record environmental
parameters, or smart systems to facilitate maritime transport, which would
count as effective strides toward optimal and sustainable use, maritime safety,
and economic flourish of the region.
I would like to conclude by wishing success for all the
participants, hoping the meeting achieves the desired objectives. My special
appreciation goes to
Dr. Atmanand from India (for chairing the committee for two
consecutive periods), Dr. Troisi from Argentina (the Periodical Chair of the
IOC), Dr. Vladimir Rebabinin (the Executive Manager of the IOC in UNESCO,
Paris), Mr. Abtahi (the Director of the Iranian National Research Center for
Oceanography and Meteorology, for hosting this meeting), and all the hosts and
guests in this meeting.
Thank you