Action plan to help our consuls explain reforms
23.10.2009
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to work on an action plan to carry out new measures agreed by the government and Seychelles’ honorary consuls who have been meeting here this week.
Mr Faure (right in photo on the above) addressing the consuls at the close of the conference
Principal secretary for foreign affairs Joseph Nourrice said this in an interview with Nation yesterday as the 55 consuls prepared to return home.
“This year’s meeting was different in that the consuls worked in groups, focusing on a particular aspect of what we are calling economic diplomacy,” he said.
“We normally invite them and update them on development opportunities and changes taking place, but this time we also invited them to say what they feel they can do to help.
“We will now put together a plan of action in line with the new spirit of dynamism within foreign affairs.”
Mr Nourrice added that the proposals include better networking among the consuls and with the ministry, with enough updates to make communication relevant and continuous as they look at new challenges.
He said the presentation given by principal secretary for finance Ahmed Afif better informed the consuls, while focusing on the threat of piracy made them realise that the problem does not affect Seychelles alone, hence the need for greater cooperation by partners around the world.
The consuls said our economic reforms are important and have gone ahead in an excellent way. They will now use various channels available to them to put the message across to international partners.
In his speech to officially close the conference on Wednesday afternoon, incoming principal secretary for foreign affairs Barry Faure – who is expected to take up the post on November 9 – thanked the consuls for making time to be at the conference and expressed confidence that they will continue to ensure Seychelles’ foreign policies are carried out.
“You are our satellites and, as Vice-President Joseph Belmont said, you are our bridges. You are also our pillars and advisers, and without you the work of ambassadors would be impossible,” he said.
The conference, which was officially opened by Mr Belmont on Tuesday, was held at Le Méridien Barbarons Hotel under the theme Challenges on the road towards economic sustainability.