SEOUL, Oct. 7 (Yonhap) — The foreign ministry said Wednesday it has signed an agreement with the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) aimed at enhancing cooperation in maritime, food security and other relevant sectors.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the Korea-IOC Cooperation Fund is aimed at establishing a framework for the cooperation fund, which was launched this year, and ensuring its effective use, according to the ministry.
Based on the agreement, Seoul plans to pursue cooperation projects in areas of high demand in the Indian Ocean region, including maritime security, climate change response, fisheries and food security, while strengthening monitoring and oversight of the projects, the ministry said.
The IOC is a regional organization comprising four African island states — Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles and Comoros — as well as France, represented by its overseas department of Reunion.
South Korea participates in the IOC as an observer, along with Japan, China, India, the European Union, the United Nations and the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).
South Korean Ambassador to Madagascar Park Ji-hyun holds up a memorandum of understanding after signing it, in this photo provided by the foreign ministry on Oct. 7, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
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