Advancing maritime security and blue economy

During his address at the 7th Indian Ocean Conference, serving as a panel speaker under the theme « Our Blue Future, » Seychelles’ Minister of Interior, Errol Fonseka, underscores the paramount importance of the blue economy as a potent and sustainable framework to tackle challenges.

The annual conference held on February 9th and 10th, 2024, in Perth, Australia, convened under the theme « Towards a Stable and Sustainable Indian Ocean ». This prestigious gathering called delegations led by ministers from over 22 countries, alongside senior officials from 16 countries and six multilateral organizations.

The event witnessed the active participation of 400 influential social and business leaders, practitioners, academics, professionals, and media representatives from 40 countries. The comprehensive program encompassed plenary sessions featuring speakers delving into a spectrum of topics centered on maritime security, sustainability, and the blue economy.

Minister Fonseka underscores the critical nexus between the blue economy and maritime security, which forms the bedrock of regional prosperity and stability. Additionally, he engaged in bilateral discussions with notable figures such as Dr. Jung Pak, U.S. Deputy Secretary for Multilateral Affairs; Tim Watts, Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs; and Professor Velayoudom Marimoutou, Secretary-General of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC).

Professor Velayoudom Marimoutou, in his discourse, elaborates on the significance of two pivotal regional centers: the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Center (CRFIM) situated in Madagascar and the Regional Operational Coordination Center (ROCC) based in Seychelles.