Mr Adam guides guests through the various displays in the exhibition

This was the theme of the first-ever open day held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at its Maison Quéau de Quinssy headquarters yesterday.

At the official opening, Foreign Minister Jean-Paul Adam said the input of all Seychellois is needed so the country can continue developing its foreign policy.

The event, which will become an annual activity, was attended by the president of the Court of Appeal Francis MacGregor, the National Assembly speaker Patrick Herminie and the foreign affairs principal secretary Maurice Loustau-Lalanne. Also present were other high government officials and ambassadors.

President James Michel and Vice-President Danny Faure also came to look at the various displays and meet staff later in the day.

In his address, Mr Adam said foreign affairs has often implied an air of mystery.

“We hope this open day will help to show that the day-to-day work of our ministry is very much about how to improve the day-to-day experience of Seychellois,” he said.

In the Facebook era, more than ever, what we consider as foreign affairs are the affairs that concern all of us and in which all of us have a say, he added.

The displays on view to the public included the launch of the new phase of Victoria hospital by former President Albert Rene in 1982 and the welcome ceremony in 1979 for the coastguard vessel Topaz – “which is now playing a significant part in our fight against piracy”, said Mr Adam.

He explained that the ministry has played a key role in developing the country, adding that Mr Michel, through his active diplomacy, has ensured that we voice our concerns abroad.

Mr Loustau-Lalanne said the ministry has been in existence for some 33 years and in January 1992 moved from National House to its current premises, where it survived a fire in its main building in February 2007.

“Seven ministers have been at the helm of this prestigious organisation, helped by 11 principal secretaries, and it has employed during that time over 200 staff,” he said, adding that today it has the youngest minister in the cabinet and employs 89 staff.

The longest-serving staff member is Amede Larue, a senior protocol driver who has worked in the ministry for 31 years.

Mr Loustau-Lalanne said Seychelles is represented overseas by seven ambassadors and 85 honorary consuls in 59 countries. It has diplomatic relations with 150 countries worldwide, and eight of these have a permanent mission in Victoria.

Since 2004 the ministry has grown from having just two diplomatic missions overseas to seven by January 2010.
“We hope to add at least one more each year over the next three years to allow us to fulfil our mandate,” said Mr Loustau-Lalanne.

After the opening ceremony Mr Adam gave the invited guests a tour of the building and commented on the exhibitions.

From 10am to 4pm, members of the public had the chance to learn more about the ministry’s work and to talk to staff.

Also on display were books about different countries, artwork and historical documents, including photographs.

There was also information about treaties that Seychelles has signed with other countries.

Secondary and post-secondary students were invited to take part in a live art competition. They were asked to come up with a picture that represents the ministry, with the winning entry to be used on all its Christmas cards.