New Filipino ambassador accredited |11 December 2014

The Philippines and Seychelles are exploring ways to promote cooperation between them through different sectors namely the small medium enterprise, fisheries, tourism and medical tourism.

This was said by the newly accredited ambassador of the Asian nation here, Banyani V. Mangibin, after presenting his credentials to President James Michel at State House on Tuesday.

The Philippines and Seychelles have enjoyed cordial relations for more than 20 years since the two countries established diplomatic relations in April 1991.

“We are trying to follow up areas of cooperation discussed during the first Joint Committee meeting held here last October and this is our agenda for strategic partnership,” Mr Mangibin said.

He noted that because the two countries share many geographical characteristics and other similarities, the Philippines harbours great interest in the tourism and fisheries sectors which like Seychelles are also the mainstay of its economy.

Also discussed at length was how to promote industrial cooperation between the two countries through the small medium enterprise sector which Mr Mangibin says helps a lot in the economic development of the Philippines.

Climate change, environment, renewable energy, finance, trade and investment also featured among the different subjects discussed.
 
Mr Mangibin said these issues will also feature on the agenda during his meeting with key officials during his visit here this week.

Mr Mangibin pointed out that his discussions will centre on following up on and identify areas for further cooperation through the joint consultative mechanism.

“We will try to see how we can help in those fields of which one already identified is the medical sector. We can also seek ways to promote medical tourism, an area which has lots of potential,” Mr Mangibin pointed out.

He expressed the hope that in the next consultative meeting to be held next year they will be able to have a clear way as to how to carry out the actions already agreed on.

Yesterday Mr Mangibin paid a courtesy call on the speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Herminie.
 
Mr Mangibin replaces Mr Domingo D. Lucenario and he is based in Nairobi, Kenya.