Seychelles’ foreign minister holds talks with Ethiopian counterpart |16 June 2015

The Seychelles Minister for Foreign Affairs and Transport, Jöel Morgan, has met his Ethiopian counterpart to discuss on-going plans to further develop cooperation between the two East African states.

The talks took place on the margins of the 27th assembly of the executive council of the African Union currently being held in Sandton, South Africa.

During discussions with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Dr Tedros Adhanom, Minister Morgan said he was committed to strengthening the relationship with Ethiopian Airlines, which successfully re-launched its route to Seychelles at the end of 2014.

Minister Morgan stated that improved connectivity was one of the priority areas for expanding Seychelles’ tourism sector.

“As a destination, Seychelles has seen a notable, and much welcomed, increase in tourist arrivals from non-traditional markets, particularly China and Africa and we are keen to further solidify this diversity as a key component of keeping this important sector of our economy secure,” Minister Morgan said.

Increased trade was also discussed as a priority area to be further developed in the future.
Minister Morgan stated the government’s readiness to conclude some negotiated agreements between the two states, namely a proposed general cooperation agreement, visa waiver agreement, and a cooperation agreement between the respective chambers of commerce.

The two ministers agreed to arrange a working visit as a matter of urgency, and agreed to bring together respective trade delegations to explore the full potential of cooperation in their various fields, including agricultural products and tourism.

The assembly of the executive council was held ahead of the 25th Summit of the heads of state of the African Union which took place on June 14-15.
Minister Morgan was accompanied by Joseph Nourrice, Seychelles’ resident ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.