The Indian Ocean is a strategic area that requires protection, and parliamentarians from the region have gathered in Mauritius to discuss maritime security. The meeting, which brought together 27 parliamentarians and officials from the national assemblies of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) member states, aimed to equip parliamentarians with the tools to follow public policies, regional commitments, and legislation related to the sea. Maritime security is considered a lever of sovereignty and development of the blue economy.
The parliamentarians acknowledged the importance of their role in ensuring that international commitments are reflected in national legislation. Egbert Aglae, Vice-President of the Seychelles National Assembly and representative of the presidency of the Association of Parliaments of IOC member states (AP-COI), emphasized that parliamentarians are the guardians of vast exclusive economic zones covering millions of square kilometers. He stressed that they have an essential role to play in making international commitments a reality in national legislation.
The Mauritian president of the National Assembly, Shirin Aumeeruddy-Cziffra, also highlighted the need for collaboration among states to address maritime challenges. She stated that no state can hope to exercise its sovereignty alone and that it is essential to work together and collaborate intelligently. This willingness to work together was formalized with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the AP-COI and the IOC.
The partnership aims to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and the follow-up of regional agreements. According to Ibrahim Norbert Richard, Secretary General of the IOC, the agreement will provide a platform for parliaments to share their experiences. It will also enable the strengthening of the capacities of elected officials in monitoring commitments that must be ratified or transposed into national legislation.
Another significant development is that the AP-COI will be officially registered in the Seychelles and will launch a call for applications for the second cohort of the Regional Youth Parliament of the Indian Ocean in the first quarter of 2027. This initiative aims to involve young people in the region in the decision-making process and to provide them with a platform to express their views on issues affecting the region.
The meeting in Mauritius demonstrated the commitment of parliamentarians in the Indian Ocean region to take action on maritime security. The participants recognized that the sea is not only a strategic area but also a source of economic wealth that requires protection. They emphasized the need for cooperation and collaboration to address the challenges facing the region.
The outcome of the meeting is expected to have a positive impact on the region, as parliamentarians will be better equipped to monitor public policies and legislation related to maritime security. The partnership between the AP-COI and the IOC is expected to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy and promote cooperation among states in the region.
Key points
- Parliamentarians from the Indian Ocean region have gathered in Mauritius to discuss maritime security and its role in economic development and sovereignty.
