12 March 2001
The Minister of Transport, Dullah Omar delivered an opening speech at the 3rd SATCC Maritime and Inland Waterways Committee meeting on Monday March 12, 2001. The meeting was held at the Royal Hotel in Durban, from March 12 to 14.
The aim of this meeting is to accelerate co-operation in SADC maritime and waterways issues. SADC member states delegates, regional and international related organizations, will attend the meeting. SATCC was established in 1999 in terms of the SADC protocol to deal with maritime issues of the region. The primary aim of this body is to co-ordinate policy, planning, monitoring of the region’s transport and communication systems and of meteorological services.
Minister Omar said regional co-operation was a priority in order to achieve sustainable economic growth in Southern Africa.
"The maritime states all share a common boundary, namely the sea, and it is this common denominator that should be fully and effectively utilised. However, for this potential to be unleashed it is essential that the maritime and inland transport arteries of our region, as well as the supporting elements of legislation, infrastructure and ecological considerations, are carefully orchestrated and freed of all unwanted and unnecessary encumbrances" Omar said.
ISSUED BY:
Mike Mabasa
HEAD: Media Liaison and Corporate Communication
MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT
TEL: 083 680 7048
FAX: 083 676 8450
Pretoria