Seychelles: President Herminie Backs Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) Modernisation and Stronger Regional Cooperation

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Seychelles' support for the modernisation of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and its transition towards a more sustainable and regional organisation was underscored by President Dr Patrick Herminie during a courtesy call by the Commission's Secretary General, Dr Ibrahim Norbert Richard, at State House this Tuesday.

President Herminie expressed Seychelles' support for efforts to modernise the IOC and strengthen its institutional capacity, emphasising the importance of ensuring that the organisation continues to evolve in response to the shared aspirations, priorities and emerging challenges of its member states.

Dr Richard, who was elected in April as the 11th Secretary General of the IOC, outlined his priorities for the organisation, including institutional modernisation and the effective implementation of existing regional agreements featuring prominently in his agenda.

Central to his vision is the diversification of the IOC's partnerships, with Dr Richard highlighting the need to look beyond its traditional donor partners and forge new partnerships around the world. He said this would contribute towards greater independence, sustainability and capacity for the organisation to turn regional commitments into concrete action.

His priorities also encompass food security, climate resilience, maritime security, promotion of the blue economy, fisheries protection and waste management, with an emphasis on initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to the populations of IOC member states.

The meeting further addressed the modernisation of the IOC's institutional framework, including the Accord de Victoria Revise. More than four decades after the establishment of the organisation, Dr Richard stressed the importance of ensuring that its institutional structures evolve to reflect the present-day aspirations of its member states.

President Herminie welcomed the modernisation drive and reiterated Seychelles' readiness to support efforts aimed at strengthening the organisation and enhancing cooperation among the island states of the region.

Seychelles' contribution to regional maritime security was also highlighted, including its hosting of the Regional Centre for Operational Coordination under the Regional Maritime Security Architecture.

Discussions also touched on Seychelles' interest in hosting the Regional Fisheries Monitoring, Control, Surveillance and Observation Coordination Centre under the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Plan, further strengthening the country's contribution to the protection and sustainable management of fisheries resources in the region.

Regional connectivity and the high cost of imports for island economies were also raised. Seychelles is taking the lead on the Regional Pooled Importation Project, aimed at addressing the challenges associated with the high cost of imports, alongside the Regional Shipping Line Project, which seeks to improve maritime connectivity and facilitate the movement of goods between countries in the region.

Dr Richard also spoke of the need to strengthen the IOC's visibility and voice within Africa and enhance its role as an actor in regional and continental governance. He underscored that cooperation among island states must increasingly translate into action and projects that have a meaningful impact on their populations.

Waste management was among the areas identified for further regional action, including efforts to mobilise financing for projects capable of delivering practical results across member states. President Herminie assured Dr Richard of Seychelles' support during his mandate and expressed the country's readiness to work with the IOC in advancing its modernisation and strengthening practical cooperation among its member states.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.