Seychelles Strengthens Diplomatic Ties with Japan as New Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Meets Japanese Ambassador

The Seychelles government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with Japan, following a meeting between the newly appointed Principal Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Department, Ms. Vivianne Fock Tave, and the Japanese Resident Ambassador, Mr. Makoto Tominaga. The meeting, which took place at the Foreign Affairs Department in Victoria, Seychelles, marked the beginning of a new era of cooperation between the two nations. Ms. Fock Tave, who recently took office, expressed her enthusiasm for working closely with the Japanese government to promote mutual understanding and cooperation. Ambassador Tominaga, who has been stationed in Seychelles since 2020, congratulated Ms. Fock Tave on her new appointment and expressed his confidence in the future of Seychelles-Japan relations. The two officials discussed a range of issues, including trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange. They also explored opportunities for cooperation in areas such as fisheries, agriculture, and renewable energy. The meeting was seen as a significant step forward in strengthening the bilateral relationship between Seychelles and Japan, which has been growing steadily over the years. Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands off the coast of East Africa, has been actively seeking to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on traditional industries such as tourism and fisheries. Japan, on the other hand, has been keen to expand its presence in Africa and promote economic cooperation with countries on the continent. The meeting between Ms. Fock Tave and Ambassador Tominaga was seen as a positive development in this context, and is expected to pave the way for increased cooperation between the two nations in the coming months and years. The Seychelles government has been actively promoting its diplomatic relations with countries in Asia, including Japan, China, and India, as part of its efforts to diversify its economy and promote economic growth. The country has also been seeking to strengthen its ties with international organizations such as the African Union and the United Nations, and has been actively participating in regional and international forums to promote its interests. The meeting between Ms. Fock Tave and Ambassador Tominaga was attended by senior officials from the Foreign Affairs Department, including the Director-General for Bilateral Relations, Mr. Pierre Lafleur. The Japanese Ambassador was accompanied by his deputy, Mr. Takashi Hongo, and other officials from the Japanese Embassy in Seychelles. The meeting was characterized by a spirit of friendship and cooperation, and marked a new chapter in the bilateral relationship between Seychelles and Japan. The two countries have a long history of cooperation, dating back to the 1970s, when Seychelles gained independence from British colonial rule. Since then, Japan has provided significant economic and technical assistance to Seychelles, including grants, loans, and technical cooperation. The meeting between Ms. Fock Tave and Ambassador Tominaga was seen as a significant step forward in strengthening this cooperation, and is expected to lead to increased economic and technical assistance from Japan to Seychelles in the coming years. The Seychelles government has expressed its gratitude to the Japanese government for its support and cooperation over the years, and has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations. The meeting between Ms. Fock Tave and Ambassador Tominaga was widely covered in the local media, and was seen as a positive development in the context of Seychelles’ efforts to promote economic growth and diversification. The country’s economy has been facing significant challenges in recent years, including a decline in tourism revenues and a rise in debt levels. However, the government has been actively seeking to address these challenges, and has implemented a range of measures to promote economic growth and stability. The meeting between Ms. Fock Tave and Ambassador Tominaga was seen as a significant step forward in this context, and is expected to lead to increased economic cooperation between Seychelles and Japan in the coming months and years.

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