IMO has reaffirmed support for its African Member States at the first African Shipowners Association Summit, held in the Seychelles (23-25 April). IMO’s Juvenal Shiundu delivered a goodwill message on behalf of IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim, emphasising the Organization’s on-going technical cooperation support for its African Member States – to help implement IMO treaties.
The event was hosted by the Seychelles Petroleum Company Limited (SEYPEC) in collaboration with the African Association of Shipowners, the Department of Foreign Affairs and the African Union Commission – under the theme Promoting African Ownership and Participation in African’s Shipping and Maritime Sectors. It was opened by President of the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Mr. Danny Faure, who highlighted the importance of the African continent seizing the rich opportunities afforded by the maritime sector, particularly in terms of sea trade.