By Mamadou Edrisa Njie
“On the very auspicious occasion to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of ATLAFCO, it is my utmost pleasure and great honor to address a message of heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the Overseas Fishery Cooperation Foundation of Japan (OFCF),” the latter’s President, Mr. Yoshiharu Takenaka, conveyed, as contained in the anniversary newsletter of the Ministerial Conference on Fisheries Cooperation Among African States Bordering the Atlantic Ocean, shortened ATLAFCO by the Anglophone and COMHAFT within the Francophonie.
He noted also that, since its establishment the foundation in 1973, OFCF has been implementing technical cooperation programs for coastal countries concerned, in such forms as the dispatch of experts to provide technical guidance in the field of fishery, the provision of equipment and machineries, and the reception of trainees.
OFCF, as its supremo disclosed, “has thus been building strong relations with international organizations such as ATLAFCO, as well as a large number of countries including the Member States of ATLAFCO”.
President Takenaka acknowledged: “In particular, ATLAFCO and its Member States are important partners for Japan, sharing the same position in favor of promoting sustainable use of marine living resources.
“To date, Japan has been collaborating very closely with ATLAFCO in numerous international conferences. ATLAFCO has been undertaking capacity development of its Member States, to enable them to develop its fishery and aquaculture, and to enhance its management conducive to sustainable use of fishery resources. With its increasingly influential voice, ATLAFCO has come to secure a solid standing in various international conferences.
“Hence, it is well understood that ATLAFCO has grown into one of the most prominent international organizations for African countries.”
He put on record that, as a partner of ATLAFCO, OFCF aspires to endeavor continuously, with a view to contributing to the development of mutually beneficial relations between the Member States of ATLAFCO and Japan.
He also reported that, in order to achieve sustainable development, conservation and utilization of the oceans in the world and its marine living resources, his organisation “hopes to move steadily forward with ATLAFCO”.
The OFCF chief concluded his message by avowing that, ATLAFCO and its Member States are important partners for Japan, sharing the same position in favor of promoting sustainable use of marine living resources.
