May 17, 2011 -- Seychelles ambassadors have unanimously conveyed the "feel good" factor associated with Seychelles' image abroad, it was heard at their annual meeting with President James Michel held at State House yesterday.

The dean of the Seychelles diplomatic corps, Mr Claude Morel, said that all the ambassadors were working tirelessly to showcase and promote Seychelles to the international community with efficiency and humility.

"We are showcasing Seychelles through President Michel's leadership. We are promoting the Seychelles that he is driving... and this is the first time that the feel good effect associated with Seychelles has been this high abroad," said  Ambassador Morel.

With the exception of High Commissioner Patrick Pillay and Ambassador Philippe Le Gall who will arrive in Seychelles later this week, all Seychelles ambassadors heading missions abroad, as well as Roving Ambassador for Women and Children, Mrs. Marie-Pierre Lloyd and the principal secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, met with President Michel to update him on their progress and to discuss the President's ongoing vision for their diplomatic work.

President Michel said that this annual meeting is an important occasion as they gather to discuss the best way to show the world what Seychelles is doing, as well as a chance to listen to the feedback from the various embassies.

President Michel also took this opportunity and thanked the ambassadors for their dedication and tireless efforts to promote Seychelles.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Paul Adam, who was also present along with the Secretary of State, Mr. Barry Faure and the Secretary of State for Cabinet Affairs, Mr. Mohammed Afif, said that it has become tradition for his ministry to convene the annual meeting with the ambassadors when they are all in Seychelles.

The last gathering of the ambassadors at State House was held in July last year following the Symposium on Maritime Security that all the Ambassadors attended.

Minister Adam also said the his Ministry would be capitalizing on their presence in the country and each ambassador would be holding a small lecture and seminar with the young diplomatic staff at the ministry to share their experiences, expertise and give the next generation of potential ambassadors for Seychelles a better understanding of the vital role the embassies and ambassadors play.

Editors Note:

-    The Ambassadors present were:
      Mr. Claude Morel (France)
      Mr. Ronny Jumeau (United Nations and USA)
      Mr. Dick Esparon (India)
      Ms. Vivianne Fock Tave (Belgium)
      Mr. Joseph Nourrice (South Africa)
      Mrs. Marie-Pierre Lloyd
      Mr. Maurice Loustau-Lalanne

-    The Ambassadors who could not arrive in time were:
      Mr. Patrick Pillay (England)
      Mr. Philippe Le Gall (China)