President Faure adopts bold, proactive foreign policy |31 December 2016
END-OF-YEAR ISSUE
Since succeeding James Michel, Seychelles’ fourth President Danny Faure has adopted a bold and proactive foreign policy, reaching out to the world and working on placing emphasis on constructive engagement with different countries and international institutions.
His first assignment was at home as he addressed the eighth Seychelles Honorary Consuls’ conference at the Savoy Resort & Spa under the theme ‘Enhancing Seychelles International Engagement.’
Describing the honorary consuls “as foot soldiers of Seychelles’ foreign service”, President Faure told them they are duty-bound to scout for these opportunities and advise the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on initiatives it can take.
“To be a winner in a globalised world order, Seychelles will have to seize opportunities coming its way and take initiatives to advance its own agenda in a win-win context with other countries, regional bodies or international organisations,” President Faure told the honorary consuls.
Conference of the Parties (COP 22) in Marrakech
On November 14, President Faure was in Marrakech, Morocco for the 22nd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 22) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
This was his first involvement in a major international event since taking office as President of Seychelles and he joined world leaders to debate on critical decisions to ensure the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and setting in place those mechanisms and modalities to help the agreement to become operational are the major endeavours of COP22.
When he addressed the high-level segment of the conference, President Faure called on the international community to formally re-embrace and commit to the outcome of the Paris Agreement with special attention given to Small Island Developing States (Sids), like Seychelles, faced with the unique ravages of climate change.
“Like the many other Sids which are represented at this most important conference, the Republic of Seychelles views climate change as an existential threat.
“For the very first time in history, a new global climate change deal, giving renewed hope to the world has been reached; we find ourselves at a crossroads and cannot afford to renege on our collective commitment to travel the moral path for the sake of humanity,” President Faure told those in attendance.
He added that “Seychelles, as a member of Aosis (Alliance of Small Island States), is proud to have helped lead this effort, and the political momentum behind the agreement bodes well for its rapid implementation. This agreement unites the world in action on climate change and on the push for sustainable development and economic transformation. It calls for a paradigm shift as we move from negotiations to implementation under the convention here and calls for enhanced and accelerated climate action by all in the lead up to 2020 and beyond, provided that adequate means of implementation are made available to all.”
President Faure also placed emphasis on the urgent and imperative need for means of implementation, in particular, access to finance, capacity building, and technology, as well as public and private investment, to be made available to Sids.
He explained that this is indispensable so as to be able to advance their chances of mitigation and adaptation, to facilitate the promotion of renewable energy, to strengthen disaster risk management, and to leverage the use of the oceans to combat climate change, thereby building resilience in all sectors of their development.
Said President Faure: “I launch an appeal to the international community to make available funds for climate financing with increased accessibility for vulnerable small island states like Seychelles. This will allow for continued development of Sids and the ability to aggressively transition to sustainable economies.”
Bilateral meeting with Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane
President Faure and the Prime Minister of Morocco, Abdelilah Benkirane, have agreed to enhance cooperation between Seychelles and Morocco and further explore areas in which citizens of the two countries can further benefit.
This was during a bilateral meeting in Morocco.
One of the main topics of discussion between the two leaders was cooperation in the health sector through the help of Moroccan medical specialists for Seychelles in the form of a medical professionals programme.
The tourism industry, and capacity building assistance in the domain of sports, and law and order are other key areas of potential cooperation between Morocco and Seychelles.
In an interview with the Moroccan press after the meeting, President Faure described it as “a fantastic discussion with very fruitful contributions”.
And in the spirit of greater cooperation and prosperity between the two countries he wished the Moroccan people the very best.
“We are very happy we also met His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco. We congratulate him and thank him for his strong leadership in moving forward the cause of small island developing states and the cause of climate change,” said President Faure who also extended an invitation to the Prime Minister Benkirane to visit Seychelles.
Meeting with Prince Albert II
His discussions with Prince Albert II of Monaco focused on how the two countries can collaborate and effect change on global issues, particularly on climate change and raising awareness on the need to include oceans in the implementation of the Paris Agreement.
President Faure noted that Seychelles and Monaco enjoy “excellent relations”.
His meeting with Prince Albert II focused on issues of common interest including ocean governance and the need for action to address the vulnerabilities of small nations. Environmental protection and research were highlighted as areas of potential cooperation.
“The conservation of the coco-de-mer and the need to further strengthen various research projects on the world heritage site of Aldabra were identified as tangible areas of collaboration between the two countries,” he said.
Discussion on common interests between Seychelles and St Vincent and the Grenadines
Common initiatives pursued by Seychelles and St Vincent and the Grenadines to defend issues of mutual interest and importance on the international front were among the main topics of discussion when President Faure met the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves.
The two leaders emphasised on how the adverse effects of climate change impact on the two countries’ efforts to fully achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
They agreed that the work to implement the Paris Agreement must be motivated by a renewed sense of commitment from the international community.
President Faure and Prime Minister Gonsalves also expressed their willingness to consolidate existing ties between the two island nations, citing the need for more dynamic exchanges in various areas including tourism, culture, reform of the public sector, and people-to-people exchange.
The strengthening of cooperation in areas of security and human resource development was also evoked.
They explored additional ways of improving trade and economic relations through capacity building, the signing of a double taxation avoidance agreement, and close collaboration in the area of renewable energy.
President Faure confirmed that the two sides have considered proposals to enhance cooperation to drive growth and improve the lives of their people, adding that both countries have much to learn from each other, in various fields.
“The building of stronger alliances between the Indian Ocean region and the Caribbean is pivotal in this globalised world, if our common aspirations as island nations are to be realised and our people empowered towards sustainable development,” President Faure said.
Exploring partnership opportunities with Abu Dhabi
On November 22, the president travelled to Abu Dhabi to meet Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, to explore ways to develop constructive partnerships in areas of economy, trade, investment, development and tourism by harnessing the huge resources and potentials of both countries.
During a meeting at Al Shati Palace, Sheikh Mohammed and President Faure discussed boosting ties of friendship and co-operation for serving mutual interests that would benefit their countries and people.
The visit was at the invitation of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and during their discussions, President Faure expressed appreciation for the UAE’s support to Seychelles’ socioeconomic advancement over the years, adding that the two countries “are bound by very special ties of fraternal friendship based on mutual respect and understanding”.
“The UAE’s ambitious vision for the future has very rapidly transformed it into a nation that serves as an example to be followed, largely due to the dedicated commitment of its government and populace to furthering its progress and development. This value is mirrored in the great importance that the Government of Seychelles attaches to people-centered development,” added President Faure.
As for Sheikh Mohammed, he said “the UAE maintains constructive, evolving ties with Seychelles and determines to advance those for the best interest of the friendly countries and people”.
16th Summit of French-speaking countries
In November at the 16th Summit of French-speaking countries (Francophonie) in Antananarivo, Madagascar under the theme: ‘Shared growth and responsible development: conditions for stability around the world and within La Francophonie’, President Faure focused his intervention on sustainable development, entrepreneurship among women and youths, as well as climate change.
Speaking about the theme, President Faure said this was “in total coherence with the Seychelles' national policy, which places people at the centre of all development”.
He also invited the Francophonie to be actively involved in the fight against climate change, adding that Seychelles hopes the Francophonie will be able to support all of its aspirations, with 2018 being an important year for the involvement of both state and non-state actors, when it comes to funding to support climate action.
The president also emphasised the importance of the sustainable tourism project for small island states which is supported by La Francophonie and welcomed the organisation’s initiative to promote entrepreneurship among women and youths allowing them to do business, be innovative and become the architects of their own lives.
As young Seychellois entrepreneurs were taking part in an exhibition in Madagascar, President Faure visited the Seychelles stand.
The Salon was organised by the Conference of Ministers of Youth and Sports from French Speaking countries (Confejes). It brought together young entrepreneurs of the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean and promoters from six countries – the Comoros, Djibouti, Haiti, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles
Seychelles National Youth Council chief executive Alvin Laurence led the Seychelles’ representatives – Daniel Dina doing metal works, and Vivienne Dodin in massage and care services – at the event.
Bilateral talks with Mauritian PM Jugnauth
While in Madagascar, President Faure also held bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of Mauritius Anerood Jugnauth on the sidelines of the summit.
Prime Minister Jugnauth invited President Faure to the Economic Forum to be held in Mauritius on March 27 next year, under the aegis of the African Union.
The Mauritian Prime Minister has also invited President Faure for an official visit to Mauritius in 2017.
The two leaders also discussed health and social issues including substance abuse, which is currently affecting both countries.
“Mauritius has agreed to share its expertise and experience with Seychelles and help support the country’s rehabilitation programmes,” said President Faure who also pledged Seychelles’ support to Mauritius in its efforts to reclaim the sovereignty of Chagos from the United Kingdom.
The leaders also reviewed the cooperation in the health sector with particular emphasis on the recruitment of Mauritian doctors for Seychelles.
Compiled by G. G.