New envoy received in style-S. Africa hails Seychelles’ peaceful transition |14 July 2004

The new High Commissioner then hailed the tranquillity around the April 14 hand over of power from Former President France Albert Rene to President Michel, saying it was exemplary.

"We are very pleased that Seychelles has gone through the peaceful and democratic transition from the former president to the current one. We have been very supportive of this position and we are encouraged by the development because it augurs well for stability on the islands and thefore for development," he said.

He said Seychelles has become a shining example of how other countries should manage their affairs.

He added that Seychelles cooperation with South Africa extends over a wide variety of areas that are of mutual interestes and benefits, for example capacity building and skills development.

"We would like to see Seychelles economy bear the fruits of the country's stability and we will try to encourage more South African businessmen to come and invest and look at trade issues," he said.

H.E. Bramdeo, is the second South African High Commissioner to be accredited to Seychelles and replaces H.E. Mr Lulu Louis Aaron Mnguni, who served as High Commissioner from 1999 to 2003. He will be based in Port Louis, Mauritius.

Seychelles and South Africa established diplomatic relations on November 5, 1993.
The new High Commissioner said that the break until his appointment from the trime his predecessor left was simply a "capacity building" problem for South Africa, and was "not meant to send any particular message" to Seychelles.

Regarding the new style of reception for envoys, Captain Raymond Athanase of the Seychelles People's Defence Forces said that country representatives who make official calls to the Head of State in future will be accorded similar red-carpet receptions.

The Guard of Honour which yesterday offered their General Salute was commanded by Lieutenant Joachim Cadeau.