Monday, April 6, 2009

Japan-Seychelles Summit Meeting

Prime Minister Taro Aso held talks with H.E. Mr. James Alix Michel, President of the Republic of Seychelles, who is on his official working visit to Japan, at the Prime Minister's Office.

Prime Minister Aso said, "I welcome the President's visit to Japan following the one made on the occasion of the Fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV). I hope for our bilateral relations to further deepen with the opening of the Honorary Consulate General of the Republic of Seychelles in Tokyo on March 10." The Prime Minister also stated that he wished that the President's visit would lead to an increase in Japanese tourists to the Seychelles and the revitalization of tuna fishery.

In response, President Michel expressed his gratitude for the invitation to visit Japan, the assistance offered thus far, and the cooperation extended to open the Honorary Consulate General. The President indicated his expectation for the Prime Minister's participation in the Seychelles Forum, to be held in May of this year to support the Seychelles' economic reform programs, and for Japan's various forms of cooperation, including assistance in the area of climate change under the Cool Earth Partnership. The President also proposed concluding a tax treaty and launching direct flights from Japan.

Prime Minister Aso expressed Japan's intention to continue, amid the economic crisis, supporting initiatives such as ones to achieve the development of Africa and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), by ensuring that commitments announced at TICAD IV be carried out, including the doubling of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Africa by 2012 and the assistance to double the amount of investment by the private sector.

Related Link

• Japan-Seychelles Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)