Seychelles-Spain-New ambassador to strengthen and diversify relations |07 January 2009

His Excellency Antonio Sanchez-Benedito Gaspar was speaking to the press yesterday morning after presenting his credentials to President James Michel at State House and   paying a courtesy call on Vice-President Joseph Belmont.

Mr Gaspar said he discussed various issues with President Michel and also assured him that although he is a resident ambassador in Addis Ababa, he will not be a part-time ambassador to the Seychelles as Spain attaches a lot of importance to its long-lasting relations with Seychelles and he will strive during his mandate to strengthen and diversify these relations.

Seychelles and Spain established diplomatic relations soon after independence in 1976 and over the years the relations have grown and solidified with the most important link being in the fishing sector.

Seychelles and Spain signed their first fishing agreement in October 1983 and since then the two countries have enjoyed strong ties in that area, with Spain having a large number of tuna fishing vessels operating here and making use of the local port facilities.

Mr Gaspar said he believes there is a lot of scope for promoting cooperation in other areas such as investments and tourism.
“I think there are lots of potential for further relations between Spain and Seychelles and we have to build on that and the very important friendship to support your country especially in this very crucial moment,” he said.

He said like President James Michel pointed out recently, Seychelles is at a defining moment in its history and Spain wants to contribute to this process of economic reforms.

Discussions with Mr Belmont included the same issues and also the promotion of the Spanish language in Seychelles and its importance in the relations between our two countries. Ways to carry out more exchanges in various fields were also discussed.

Mr Gaspar, who arrived in Seychelles on Sunday, is meeting with several ministers and stakeholders.
This morning he will call on the Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Dr Patrick Herminie.

Mr Gaspar, who is the eleventh Spanish ambassador to be accredited here, replaces Carmen de la Pena Concuera, who served from May 2005 to July 2008.
He is expected to leave Seychelles tomorrow.