Reception for diplomatic and consular corps-Seychelles now more proactive overseas |17 January 2008
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Patrick Pillay, said this in an interview during a reception
The event was attended by President James Michel, Vice-President Joseph Belmont, Cabinet Ministers, former President James Mancham and the Leader of the Opposition Wavel Ramkalawan.
Also present was Zambia’s special envoy Christine Lambart who was in the country to present a special message from her President Levy Mwanawasa to President Michel.
Minister Pillay said that Foreign Affairs will this year hold a conference for honorary counsuls so that they can produce results that come with specific benefits for Seychelles in the countries they are based.
He said that Seychelles will reach out for what it needs rather than wait passively to receive.
He described relations with the countries represented here as very positive and on an upward trend, recalling visits by important personalities like Chinese President Hu Jintao as well as visits by President Michel to Europe and Africa for international conferences which attract investments and tourists.
He said that in 2008 Seychelles plans to consolidate what has already been established and also increase its presence in different countries, noting that new ambassadors have recently been accredited to countries where there were none before.
“We are therefore working to enhance the presence of consular agents,” he said, talking of the importance to strengthening ties with Middle East and African countries.
When making his formal speech before, Minister Pillay said that Seychelles has embarked on an unprecedented journey of dynamic transformation that aims to unlock this nation’s true potential in this new era.
“The many initiatives taken by the Government in 2007 were an act of faith in the ability of our nation to face the numerous changes confronting us.
“In this task, we resolved not to be daunted by our small size nor by our limited resources. On the contrary, we were all deeply motivated by the exciting opportunities which came our way. We have taken our destiny in our own hands and today the successes speak for themselves. The level of growth has come up to 5.3%, the foreign direct investment inflows have increased drastically, the country’s reserves have increased, and more than 150,000 tourists have visited Seychelles: these facts are clear indicators that the country, under President Michel’s leadership, is moving steadily forward making the most of its assets, especially Seychelles’ unique, dynamic and vibrant mix of peoples and cultures, as well as our modern and fair Constitution: ‘The Voice of our Nation.’”
He said that clearly, it is a new Seychelles with a new vision that is rising.
“That vision is reflected and translated in the changes that are taking place. Those changes are discernable, detectable and measurable in terms of policy, strategies and development orientations of the country. These are marked by socio-economic structural adjustments, a more dynamic, competitive and diversified economy, new interstice institutions between the public and private sector, better governance and dialogue in the political and democratic process and a more outward oriented positioning of the country,” the minister said, in a loaded speech we hope to refer to again soon along with that of the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Russian Ambassador Alexander Vladimirov.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, H.E. Mr Vladimirov referred to Seychelles’ peaceful state and this country’s exemplary achievements.
He referred specifically to the recent elections in which he said the people of this country confirmed their choice, and the establishment of constructive dialogue with the Opposition.