President James Michel met with the recently elected Executive Secretary of the Southern African Development Community, Dr. Stergomena L. Tax, at State House this morning.

The President congratulated Dr Tax on her appointment as the first female Executive Secretary, and expressed confidence in her capable leadership.

Dr Tax congratulated Seychelles for being the first SADC Member State to harmonize and align the National Gender Policy and the National Action Plan with the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development. She expressed her gratitude to this 'noble course,' which she said will contribute to the acceleration of the enhancement of gender equality and women's empowerment in the region, and in Seychelles in particular.

Expressing her appreciation she said " for this noble undertaking, the Government and people of Seychelles serve as an inspiration for many in the SADC region in the continued journey towards gender equality and women's empowerment."

President Michel assured the Executive Secretary that Seychelles would continue to encourage women to take up educational opportunities as well as positions of authority.

They discussed the concept of the blue economy for SADC members as well as the need to  develop better communications as well as sea and air links between member countries of the organisation.

"Africa needs to claim ownership of its oceans, it has not realised the potential of its oceanic resources, and together we need to develop SADC programmes that will address this crucial element of our economic development," said President Michel.

Editor's Note
• The SADC Executive Secretary issued a press release following the meeting, and it is attached.
•  Also present during the meeting were the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Barry Faure, the President's Diplomatic Advisor, Ambassador Callixte d'Offay, and the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Maurice Loustau-Lalanne.