Diplomatic cocktail at the La Plaine St André restaurant |03 March 2014

Seychelles thanks partners for help in pursuing its development goals

In this United Nations year of small island developing states, Seychelles is thankful for the support of so many international partners in charting its course towards sustainable development.

Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Paul Adam had this say to diplomats, ministers and other dignitaries present at the La Plaine St André restaurant on Friday night for the annual diplomatic cocktail. Vice-President Danny Faure was also present at the ceremony.

On behalf of the Seychelles government, Mr Adam thanked all countries who have stood by us, who have stood with us and continue to be advocates of the cause of islands.
He noted that the third international conference on Small island developing states (Sids) to take place in September this year in Samoa is a “watershed moment for all nations, because the plight of islands is indelibly associated with the faith of our planet”.

“We are conscious that this support can only bring about change for the better – if we are ourselves the agents of this change,” noted Minister Adam, who added that no matter how the challenges may seem to a small state, we cannot afford to be bystanders.

The head of Seychelles diplomacy added that “our commitment can be the catalyst for the global commitment we need” and noted that our economic reforms of 2008 have taught us that when we bring together our determination in our home-grown solutions and combine it with engagement by the international community, we can achieve the seemingly impossible.

He also referred to the late South African freedom icon Nelson Mandela’s assertion that many things may appear impossible until they are done.

On the Blue Economy, Minister Adam said our activism has ignited a common objective towards better harnessing the resources within our oceans towards sustainable development, adding that Seychelles’ Blue Economy Declaration following the Abu Dhabi Summit in January has set a path towards mobilising more options for technical support for making blue economy centred projects a reality – from oceans as carbon sinks, to ocean-based renewable energy.

“We are particularly encouraged by the opportunity of the Commonwealth needs assessment study which has recently been launched for Seychelles. The Blue Economy is about redefining Africa’s development narrative. Adina’s oceans hold the key to many of our continent’s most pressing challenges – from energy to food security,” stressed the minister.

He added that Seychelles is also actively engaged in efforts to strengthen the ability of the African Union to resolve conflict and instability which contribute to undermine the great strides that are being made.

The minister pointed out that Seychelles condemns the spiral of reprisals and sectarian violence threatening the Central African Republic, and has given its full support to the peace-keeping efforts there. The country is also greatly concerned by the continued instability of South Sudan and has expressed its full support to the mediation efforts of Igad (Intergovernmental Authority on Development).

Mr Adam added that Seychelles has continued to be engaged in regional security cooperation through the East African Standby Force and that the continued threats across the Sahel region have underlined the country’s support for strengthening the African capacity for rapid response to crises.

Speaking about the issue of maritime security, Minister Adam said it is one which lies at the very top of Seychelles’ diplomatic agenda.

He said our concerted efforts with partners from around the world have made a significant dent in the profitability of the business model used by pirates up until now. The establishment of Rappic, he added, has provided an instrument which has allowed us to build a very wide net to address the inter-linked nature of many of the criminal activities on the high seas.

“This simple message that Seychelles is delivering today is that to tackle piracy in the long term,  we must tackle drug trafficking, smuggling, illegal fishing, people trafficking, arms trafficking and all other scourges that use the freedom of the seas to undermine national borders and the rule of law. This is why Rappic is evolving a wider remit into a new configuration called Reflecs 3 to address the linkages that exist among various groups, criminal and terrorist that are seeking to use areas of instability as bases for profit and fund raising.

Minister Adam noted that Seychelles has been extremely active over the last year in its treaty responsibilities, becoming one of the first signatories to the Arms Trade Treaty, limiting the procurements of weapons to fuel low level conflicts and create instability in general.

The country has also ratified several key treaties including the Maritime Labour Convention, the Agreement on Port State Measures to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing as well as the African Union Treaty establishing the AU Peace and Security Council.

He pointed out that Seychelles has continued to demonstrate its commitment to the defence and promotion of human rights internationally and has never hesitated to open its doors to the world as it has welcomed two UN special rapporteurs.

The minister told all the honorary consuls that Seychelles appreciates their engagement in widening the country’s reach as they often surpass the expectations both in terms of the countries they represent and in terms of Seychelles as the host country.

In conclusion, Minister Adam, who thanked all his staff for the dedication and willingness to innovate, said: “Our ongoing campaign for a UN security council seat is founded on the principle that while we may not have many people we have people who can make a difference.

On behalf of his counterparts, the Dean of the diplomatic corps here, Indian high commissioner Thanglura Darlong, thanked Mr Adam and his team for organising “such a  wonderful party”.

He warmly welcomed Russian ambassador Vladimir Belous and Sri Lanka’s acting high commissioner Esala Weerakoon who have recently joined the diplomatic community.

He noted that 2013 was momentous in many respects as Seychelles played an active role in many regional and international events for the cause of climate change, sustainable development, tourism among others.

“Seychelles played a very crucial role on the intractable Madagascar affairs, on which she had hosted two dialogues with the Malagasy leaders. In the fight against piracy, Seychelles’ unwavering commitment, ability to join together the international community has brought about considerable success which we see in the drastic reduction in piracy cases. I would like to congratulate Seychelles for this feat,” said Mr Darlong.

With regard to Seychelles’ diplomatic initiative, Mr Darlong said it has promoted friendship in the region and beyond, adding that President James Michel’s state-of-the-nation address touched on the priorities and vision of the country’s diplomacy.

“I have no doubt the policy initiatives announced by President Michel will create further momentum in building regional and global cooperation, peace and progress,” said Mr Darlong who has been accredited here since August 2011.