The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan held his first meeting with resident Diplomatic Corps at State House today. Alongside the President was the Vice-President, Mr Ahmed Afif, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Secretary State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Barry Faure and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Mr Juan Humberto Macias Pino.
On behalf of the Government of Seychelles, the President thanked each country for the support bestowed to Seychelles over the years and especially now as Seychelles is facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I also wish to express our appreciation to those countries that are funding the multilateral institutions that are finding ways to mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 virus. I urge everyone to continue their support, as indeed I seek the support of other multilateral institutions such as the Commonwealth, l’Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, the UN Agencies, and many others, as small states like Seychelles benefit greatly from these organisations,” said President Ramkalawan in his statement.
The President underlined the peaceful transition of power following the Presidential and Legislative elections held last month whereby this displayed Seychelles as one of the hallmarks of a functioning democracy. On this note, the Head of State reaffirmed his commitment and that of the government to strengthening bilateral cooperation and promote common shared values and interests, including with other countries with non-resident representatives in Seychelles.
“The government that I have the honour to lead, remains committed to furthering and deepening relations with the countries represented here today, as indeed with the wider international community. My government remains similarly keen to explore all avenues of cooperation with friends and partners for our mutual benefits. We need to continue working together on common challenges such as those relating to climate change, the environment, the fight against organized crimes including drugs, arms, terrorism and human trafficking, to name but a few. Practical support to Seychelles in dealing with maritime threats, including blue crimes, which will effectively boost our maritime security through capacity building of our law enforcement agencies, remain vital and we hope that these are further enhanced,” said the President.
As Small Island Developing States (SIDS), President Ramkalawan stressed on Seychelles’ vulnerability due to COVID-19, whereby its economic outlook is dire. The President took the opportunity to explain to the representatives why Seychelles will need to close three of its overseas embassies and he reassured the country’s commitment to boost the existing bilateral relations. President Ramkawalan also pledged Seychelles’ effort to attend the target of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
“Over the years, Seychelles has made progress in many areas, including improving the socio-economic conditions of our people, in maritime security, the blue economy, environmental protection, and responsiveness towards our international obligations. Our country has consistently recorded a high level of development indicators and, in some particular instances related to a small island state, was considered a model for the rest of the world,” he said.
“We recognize that our success is partly due to the generosity, support, and solidarity of our global partners and for making judicious use of the assistance we have received. The hard work that we have put into building this nation and the achievements gained are today being threatened by the fallout from this pandemic which also compounds existing challenges like climate change that we are grappling with as it diverts resources from pressing priorities. Faced with this sudden and unprecedented global crisis and its attendant economic meltdown, our vulnerabilities have worsened. More than ever, we need the support of the international community to sustain our achievements.”
The President conclude, “You are our valued partners in the development of Seychelles. In my humble self and the government that I lead, you will find reliable, honest partners. I want to reiterate our commitment to continue working with you for the enhancement of our relations and for a fairer, safer and more compassionate world.”
After the meeting, there was a luncheon hosted by the President.