New Japanese envoy talks fisheries, UN reform with president |25 May 2005

Speaking to the press after meeting President Michel and Vice-President Joseph Belmont at State House, Ambassador Satoru Miyamura spoke of continued friendly relations between their two countries, expressing a “determination to do my best” toward reinforcing existing ties.

He said he and President Michel specifically discussed the issue of UN reform during their meeting, noting that Japan was calling for a change in the composition of the UN Security Council to reflect modern-day realities.

Principal secretary for Foreign Affairs Claude Morel said that Japan’s proposed model was one of a number of scenarios Seychelles was studying closely, but he noted that the country has not made a decision to back any one proposal in particular.

Mr Miyamura also confirmed to reporters Tuesday that Japan was “very much committed” to providing economic assistance to Seychelles and Africa in general.

In Seychelles, Japanese economic support has largely centred on the fishing industry, and the new ambassador spoke of technical cooperation and work to rehabilitate the industry after the tsunami. He also mentioned the potential construction of facilities at Port Victoria, specifically at the tuna quay.

Mr Miyamura arrived in the country on Sunday May 22. He is the tenth Japanese ambassador to be accredited to Seychelles, and will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

He replaces former envoy Makoto Asami, who served as Ambassador to Seychelles from 2003-2004.