Statement at the Third Session of the Conference of African Ministers of Maritime Transport

"In fact, the principle of free access to maritime traffic on commercial basis between Africa shipowners and those of her major partners in the industrialized world is decidedly to the detriment of the Africans as a result of the enormous difference at the level of maritime sector development of the two categories of countries. African states should be conscious of the seriousness of this problem and take urgent measures to provide effective response to the maritime policies of the industrialized partners.  These measures should be primarily aimed at the constant defense of African maritime interests in all their ramifications."