SADC’s ordinary ministerial meeting- Seychelles encouraged by efforts to ensure inclusion of oceanic states |13 March 2013

That was during the ordinary ministerial meeting of the SADC in Maputo, Mozambique last weekend.
Minister Adam noted that Seychelles was greatly encouraged by efforts to ensure inclusion of island and oceanic states in the infrastructural development of SADC through the provision of specific projects targeting the maritime states.

“SADC needs to be at the forefront of the development of the blue economy, and it is only through investments in maritime networks that we will truly be able to boost trade and development to its full potential in this region,” Minister Adam remarked.

Minister Adam also asked that some of the identified projects be featured in forthcoming SADC conferences targeting potential investors and development partners.

During the meeting, the minister raised concerns over the political situation in Madagascar which is affecting the island’s financial contributions to the organisation.

Minister Adam also made an appeal for consideration towards the situation of Madagascar after it had been hit by severe rains as a result of cyclone Haruna on February 22.
This, he added, is also affecting its ability to honour its payments towards SADC.

Following the decisions of former President Marc Ravalomanana and President of the Transition Andry Rajoelina not to contest the elections, efforts are underway to move towards the reintegration of Madagascar within the international community and the eventual lifting of sanctions.

Minister Adam commended the on-going preparation by the SADC for the forthcoming SADC-European Union meeting on March 20, 2013 where it is expected to discuss, among other things, the political and economic situation in the SADC and the EU.

Seychelles expressed interest in making use of the SADC regional early warning centre, and has requested the SADC to provide detailed information on how the regional warning centre will function.

The centre is expected to compile strategic assessment and analysis of data collected at regional level and share information on major issues posing a threat to the security and stability of the region and also propose ways and means for preventing, combating and managing such threats.

Minister Adam also took part in the deliberations pertaining to the SADC budget, the audit report of SADC and the SADC training and development policy.

The council also made continuous reference to the importance of the review of the SADC regional indicative strategic development plan (RISDP), which is expected to provide strategic direction with respect to the SADC programmes and activities, and to align the strategic objectives and priorities of the SADC with the policies and strategies for achieving its long-term goals. The review is expected to be finalised in May 2013.

Minister Adam also took the opportunity of the meeting to express the appreciation of Seychelles towards Mozambique’s chairmanship of the SADC since August last year for its determination and dynamism.

In his discussion with his counterpart, H.E Minister Oldemiro Baloi, Minister Adam stated that Mozambique has been chairing the organisation at a time when many challenges are evident, but it is clear that Mozambique has been ‘a steady hand on the wheel’. Minister Adam was accompanied during the meeting by Claude Morel, Seychelles’ ambassador to the SADC, who will shortly be taking up his post at the head of the Indian Ocean Commission liaison office in Madagascar. 

He was also accompanied by Kenneth Racombo, director general for development and regional integration in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Annie Dugasse from the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment.