International IONS HADR Working Group Meeting 2025 Opens in Nowshahr
Nowshahr, The Gulf Observer: The international meeting of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Working Group for 2025 commenced in Nowshahr, with officials and naval representatives from 11 countries participating both in-person and virtually.
The event, hosted at the Imam Khomeini Naval University of Nowshahr, brought together delegates from IONS member states alongside senior military and naval officials to discuss enhanced regional cooperation in humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and maritime safety.
Rear Admiral Abutaleb Motalebi, Commander of Imam Khomeini Naval University, inaugurated the meeting by emphasizing the vital role of naval forces in maintaining peace, security, and stability across the Indian Ocean region. He noted that Nowshahr, one of Iran’s most scenic northern ports, serves as an ideal venue for promoting dialogue and collaboration among maritime nations.
He expressed hope that the gathering would not only strengthen humanitarian and disaster relief cooperation but also allow foreign participants to experience Iran’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Held under the slogan “Together for Maritime Safety and Security,” the IONS HADR Working Group meeting forms part of a broader framework of international naval cooperation aimed at enhancing coordination in rescue, relief, and humanitarian missions across the Indian Ocean.
Representatives from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and China attended the meeting in person, while delegates from Qatar, Myanmar, France, Bangladesh, and Saudi Arabia joined the discussions online.
The event underscores the continued commitment of IONS member navies to fostering constructive interaction and strengthening collective preparedness in addressing regional humanitarian challenges.
