VICTORIA, Seychelles — Seychelles is currently hosting the 39th ordinary session of the Council of Ministers of the Indian Ocean Commission (COI) at the Eden Bleu hotel. This high-level meeting aims to strengthen regional cooperation between member states and to advance joint projects in favour of sustainable development, maritime security and regional integration in the Indian Ocean space. The session was officially launched by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde, president in office of the COI Council of Ministers.
In his address, the minister described the Seychelles presidency of the Council of Ministers of the COI as a success. He highlighted several achievements during Seychelles’ tenure, including advancing the regional blue economy agenda, mobilising climate finance, and reinforcing maritime security cooperation among member states. The session brings together ministers from Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, France (Reunion and Mayotte), and the Seychelles to review progress on the COI’s 2024-2029 strategic plan and to adopt decisions on key regional priorities.
Among the items on the agenda is the adoption of the COI’s annual report, the review of the regional fisheries management framework, and discussions on the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocols as they apply to the Indian Ocean. The session is also expected to address the growing impact of climate change on the region, with member states sharing national experiences and joint adaptation strategies. The meeting will conclude with a communiqué setting out the council’s decisions and the priorities for the incoming presidency, which will be handed over to the Comoros later this week.
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