New Spanish, Russian ambassadors accredited-German Ambassador on working visit |04 May 2005

H.E. Carmen de la Pena Corcuera from Spain, the tenth Spanish ambassador accredited to Seychelles, replaces Rafael Dezcallar de Mazarredo while H.E. Alexander Vladimirov from Russia, the seventh Russian ambassador to Seychelles, replaces Vladimir Kalinin.

Speaking to the press after presenting her credentials, Mrs Corcuera said her main priority during her tenure in office is to consolidate achievements made in fisheries, training and tourism, the three main areas of cooperation between Seychelles and Spain.

However, given both countries' cultural diversities, she has also expressed interest to promote cultural ties through exchanges and activities that would complement the economic bond and further foster the already friendly relations between the two countries.

Mrs Corcuera, the tenth Spanish ambassador accredited to Seychelles, will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

For his part resident Russian ambassador, Mr Vladimirov, told the press he has plans to continue with projects started by his predecessor in the fields of tourism and the economy in general. He cited for instance Russia's involvement in an electricity project for the South of Mahe and plans to increase the number of Russian tourists coming for holiday in Seychelles.

Mr Vladimirov, the seventh Russian ambassador to be accredited to Seychelles, said Seychelles is a beautiful country with nice forests and described the Seychellois as a warm and friendly people.

He also congratulated all journalists on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, which was celebrated on Tuesday.

Both newly accredited ambassadors also called on Vice-President Joseph Belmont on Tuesday and were expected to meet with other government ministers and officials.

Seychelles established diplomatic relations with both Spain and Russia in June 1976.

Following the accreditation visits by the two new ambassadors, the German ambassador to Seychelles, H.E. Bernd Braun, currently on a working visit to the country, also called on President Michel and VP Belmont.

Discussions between them focused on the government’s ongoing economic reform programme and the construction of Seychelles’ third tanker in Lindanau, Germany.

Another subject of discussion was Germany’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Describing bilateral relations between Germany and Seychelles as good, Mr Braun said Seychelles was a fairly popular travel destination among German tourists, but added that more should be made to boost tourism ties.