Capetown (Onkod Radio) Somalia’s Commercial Affairs Attachè of Somali Embassy to South Africa Mr. Mohamed Ali Cibaar attended a summit in Cape town, South Africa on  Labour conditions on Board fishing vessels and the role of Embassies and consulates  in South Africa, Somali Embassy in South Africa said.

The summit, was organized by the International Labor Oganization (ILO) and hosted by South Africa’s Department of Employment & Labour (DEL) with attendance  by officials from the consulate of the Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, South Korea, China, Japan, India, Sri Lanka, Brazil,  Russia, United States, UK, Norway. Germany and Somalia.

“The summit focused on how states can prevent illegal fishing and at the same time protect fisher’s rights.” Somalia’s Commercial Affairs Attachè of Somali Embassy to South Africa Mr. Mohamed Ali Cibaar said, “It was honor for Somalia to participate at this crucial meeting as our country is recovering decades of lawlessness”

In attendance was the South Africa Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), which presented valuable presentation on Irregular Working conditions on Board Fishing Vessels. Following side meeting with the Somali officials, the SAMSA promised to train 10 coustguard officials in monitoring illegal fishing from Somalia’s exclusive maritime zone.

“We welcome that our coastguards will get  knowledge and expertise from SAMSA once they receive the training..” Mr. Cibaar added.

The summit will serve as a platform for diplomatic missions to enhance their understanding of labour conditions in the fishing industry and strengthen collaborative efforts in protecting their fishers’ rights.

Somalia has been tuckling illegal fishing, pirates and weapons smuggling from its coasts where coastguards require to receive more trainings to enhace their capability.