Seychelles joins ‘East 3 Route’ initiative of Southern Africa |25 May 2013

Our islands became the fourth member at the body's last ministerial meeting held in the South African port city of Durban on May 12.

There, Tourism and Culture Minister Alain St Ange was welcomed by his counterparts from Kwazulu Natal, Michael Nabuyakhulu, Mozambican Carvalho Muaria and Swazi Nduduzi Dlamini.

The focal point of the initiative is to provide both tourists and investors an opportunity to explore avenues in the member countries.

The gathering follows an earlier meeting in February between Mr St Ange and his Kwazulu Natal counterpart in Durban.

The ‘East 3 Route’ was spearheaded in 1998 by former South African President Nelson Mandela, who was joined by President Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique and the King of Swaziland, with a view to promote eco-tourism development, tapping into the region's exciting topographical landmarks.

It was also envisaged to focus on the casting blend of cultural and historical heritage.
While tourism remains Seychelles' economic pillar, Mr St Ange said it is more evident today than ever before that no country can be an island unto itself.

“We all need to work together in harmony and with collaboration as our guiding frame of mind. He thanked his three Southern African counterparts for welcoming Seychelles as African islands in the Indian Ocean.

“Now Seychelles can play its part in this African cooperation network for the consolidation of our very own development and in doing so for our continent's tourism industry and trade,” Mr St Ange said.