The IGAD Executive Secretary, H.E. Eng Mahmoud Maalim gave his first exclusive broadcast interview on Tuesday 12th August 2008. The interview conducted by a renowned Kenyan broadcast journalist, Beatrice Marshall of KTN [Kenya Television Network] focused on the role of the regional organization in food security, infrastructure development, and peace and security in the Horn of Africa.

On his fifth day in Nairobi, the IGAD Executive Secretary met with Kenya's Minister for Immigration, where they both called for closer cooperation among IGAD Member States on migration management in the region.

IGAD Executive Secretary, Mr. Mahboub Maalim, has received at his office, Mr. Joaquin Gonzalez, a representative from the European Union.

The Executive Secretary and Mr. Gonzalez talked about issues of cooperation between the EU and IGAD and strengthening their relationship.

The executive secretary recommended to the EU the importance of having their delegation in Djibouti in which Mr. Joaquin Gonzalez stated that the EU will plan his request by next year. Mr. Gonzalez reiterated the EU will continue supporting IGAD’s development programs and will keep “putting IGAD up on the international agenda.”

“"We have a huge opportunity to do better. Our commitment is sincere.”"

(IGAD-Djibouti) “We will work with you and I assure you my support in your work for IGAD” said Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed, Djibouti’s Minister of Agriculture as he finished meeting with IGAD’s newly appointed Executive Secretary, Mr. Mahboub Maalim.

(IGAD- Djibouti) Mr. Mahboub M. Maalin of Kenya is now the new Executive Secretary of IGAD. Mr. Maalin took up the post on June 14th, 2008 summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Mr. Maalin has strong record of achievements both in the national and international arena working to better the lives of Kenyans. During his tenor, he has worked on water resources management, disaster and emergency coordination, food security as well as regional and international organizations.

(IGAD- Djibouti) In an effort to mobilize member states, IGAD’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Mahboub Maalin, paid a working visit to the office of Djibouti’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.