President James Michel met with the Seychelles High Commissioners and Ambassadors this morning at State House. They briefed the President on their activities, whilst conveying their appreciation for his  leadership and vision, especially in the promotion of the Blue Economy concept and in other foreign policy issues vital to the national interest.

The President commended the High Commissioners and Ambassadors for their hard work and dedication in promoting Seychelles. He congratulated and thanked them for the continued support they are giving to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Government and the country in general.

“I appreciate the frank exchange of views we had. It has given me an insight into how things are in your respective areas of work. Together we are building a positive image of Seychelles in the international arena,” said President Michel. He added that, as representatives of Seychelles, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Seychelles ambassadors must continuously convey and portray the positive image of the country to ensure that its work, efforts and values are recognised.

Thanking the ambassadors for their contribution and for their capacity to deliver what is expected of them, the President stressed the importance of ambassadors working as a team, urging them “to move with the times and look at the global issues and their evolution to make Seychelles innovative and proactive in as many ways possible, allowing us to retain our leadership role in those areas where we have made our mark."

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Paul Adam, who was also present along with his Principal Secretary, Ambassador Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, commented that through this meeting they have updated the President on the progress made in the implementation of foreign policy objectives and on the adoption of new strategies on the way forward.

“Our leadership has been possible because of the vision of the President who has put a lot importance on all of the key issues that we are highlighting as key elements of our foreign policy, including the Blue Economy, the advocacy of the cause of the Small Island Developing States, our candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council,” said Minister Adam.

The dean of the Seychelles diplomatic corps, Ambassador Callixte d'Offay, added that Seychelles had made a big impact internationally in respect of its foreign policy thanks to President Michel’s leadership and guidance. This, he said, is predicated in no small measure on capacity building, on a just and egalitarian society, the rule of law, democratic principles, respect for human rights and sustainable development, which has not escaped the attention of the international community.

With the exception of Ambassador Ronny Jumeau and Ambassador Erna Athanasius who are attending to other pertinent official duties, all the Seychelles ambassadors heading missions abroad briefed President Michel on their diplomatic missions.

Editor’s Note:

The High Commissioners and Ambassadors present were:

Mr. Callixte d’Offay (President’s Diplomatic Advisor)

Mr. Claude Morel (Republic of South Africa)

Mr. Dick Esparon (United Arab Emirates)

Mr. Philippe Le Gall (People's Republic of China)

Ms. Vivienne Fock Tave (European Union)

Mr. Joseph Nourrice (African Union)

Mrs. Marie-Pierre Lloyd (United Kingdom)

Mr. Waven William (India)

Mr. Bernard Shamlaye (France)

Mrs. Marie-Louise Potter (United Nations and United States of America)

The Ambassadors who were absent with apologies:

Ambassador Ronnie Jumeau (Ambassador for Climate Change and SIDS Issues)

Ambassador Erna Athanasius (Ambassador for Women and Children’s Affairs)