Maldives, Australia deny participating in China-led Indian Ocean Forum meet

 After Maldives, Australia on Sunday clarified that it did not participate in the “China-Indian Ocean Forum on Development Cooperation” held on November 21.”Contrary to media reporting, no Australian Government official attended the Kunming China-Indian Ocean Forum on Development Cooperation,” tweeted Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Barry O’Farrell.China’s aid agency hosted a meeting on Indian Ocean Forum. Maldives’s former President Mohammed Waheed Hassan & Australia’s Former PM Kevin Rudd joined virtually. No representation at official capacity by Male, Canberra.”Pleased @TimWattsMP attended #IORA Ministerial Council last week, the only ministerial-level forum for the Indian Ocean. Australia was delighted India’s application for Vice Chair was accepted by consensus. We share an enduring interest: a free, open, rules-based and secure Indo-Pacific,” added the Australian envoy.While Canberra was invited for the meet by Beijing, Australia, a member of Quad (comprising … After Maldives, Australia on Sunday clarified that it did not participate in the “China-Indian Ocean Forum on Development Cooperation” held on November 21.”Contrary to media reporting,...

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