Japanese envoy presents credentials to President Michel-Japan keen to team up with Seychelles on environmental conservation |26 March 2008

Japan’s new Ambassador to Seychelles, H.E. Mr Shigeo Iwatani, said this in an interview after he presented his credentials to President James Michel at State House yesterday in the presence of Foreign Affairs Minister Patrick Pillay.

H.E. Iwatani, who was welcomed to State House by a guard of honour, also said that he will use his experience gained in Hawaii to increase the number of Japanese tourists coming here.

He nevertheless noted that Seychelles is keen on the overall number of visitors it feels its well-cared for environment can sustain, and that this country therefore prefers to tap from the niche of the tourism market.

He also talked of similarities between Japan and the Seychelles, in that they are both island nations.

H.E. Mr Iwatani also called on Vice-President Joseph Belmont and plans to meet with top members of the Seychelles Government tomorrow.
H.E. Mr. Iwatani is the 11th Japanese ambassador to be appointed to Seychelles since both countries established diplomatic relations in 1976.