Strengthening trade relations among member states
Madagascar will be at the forefront during the upcoming Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) meeting, where the organization’s new Secretary-General, Edgard Razafindravahy, will be officially inaugurated. The ceremony will take place at the Hilton Mauritius.
Mauritius, as the host country and headquarters of the regional organization, will welcome the President of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina, who will attend the event. Edgard Razafindravahy, the 10th Secretary-General of the IOC, will serve a four-year term and is the third Malagasy minister to hold this position. His appointment comes as the IOC marks its 40th anniversary.
Madagascar, one of the founding members of the IOC, is part of a group that includes five member states: Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros, and France, which is represented through Réunion. The Victoria Agreement, signed in 1984 in Seychelles, outlines the rotating leadership of the Secretary-General position among the member countries.
Madagascar’s assumption of the IOC presidency this year has been described as a « diplomatic victory ». On July 16, Razafindravahy was unanimously appointed by the member states, succeeding Professor Vêlayoudom Marimoutou, who held the role during France’s term. Key priorities for the new Secretary-General include addressing food security and enhancing trade cooperation among IOC members.
The inauguration ceremony on Monday will feature an address by President Rajoelina, who is expected to emphasize the importance of improving food security and strengthening trade relations among the member states.
