Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Dr. Mohamed Shainee has successfully concluded his tour of Africa, as the Special Envoy of the President. The Maldivian Fisheries Minister was on a three-country tour of Africa, as part of the international campaign to secure a United Nations Security Council seat for the Maldives.
Speaking to media upon returning to Maldives, Fisheries Minister Shainee noted that discussions held with Foreign Ministers were successfuly and noted the discussions mainly focused on supporting Maldives on securing seat at United Nations Security Council seat for the term 2019-2020. The Fisheries Minister said all the countries positively expressed confidence in Maldives and what the country has to offer in the United National Security Council.
During his visit, Minister Shainee called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Tanzania Augustine Phillip Mahinga, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mozambique Jose Condungua Antonio Pacheco and Deputy Minister of International Relations and Corporation of South Africa Luwellyn Tyrone Landers. During the meetings with the heads of the Foreign Offices, Minister Shainee conveyed greetings from the Maldivian President and underscored the strategic importance of further enhancing bilateral and multilateral ties between Maldives and Africa.
Furthermore, Minister Shainee also held bilateral consultations with his counterparts; Minister for Livestock and Fisheries of Tanzania Luhaga Joelson Mpina, Minister of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries of the Mozambique Agostinho Salvadore Mondlane and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of South Africa Senzeni Zokwana. During the meetings, both sides reflected on the close friendly relations between the Maldives and Africa, with Minister Shainee reassuring the readiness of Maldives to engage with partners in Africa in various areas of development, especially in sustainable fisheries.