Over 70 of Seychelles’ 86 honorary consuls from 60 nations are sharing ideas on how they can promote the country’s sustainable development, during a three-day meeting launched by Vice-President Danny Faure on Monday.

VP Faure addressing the gathering at the launch of the meeting

The meeting – being held at the Ephelia Resort under the theme Les Seychelles, Iles Perennes – was launched at the University of Seychelles auditorium in a ceremony attended by former President James Mancham, chief justice Fredrick Egonda-Ntende, president of the Court of Appeal Francis MacGregor, ministers, top civil servants and members of the diplomatic corps.

It was animated by the Le Rossignol Choir.

The consuls are expected to talk about Seychelles’ natural resources, renewable energy and fisheries, among other topics.

They are, for example, trying to see how they can contribute more towards promoting Seychelles’ oil exploration programme and the oil tanker business or raise awareness and attract investment in post harvest value-addition of Seychelles’ fisheries products and in the development of marine culture to ensure maximum benefits.

Seychelles’ vulnerability to climate change as well as investment opportunities in renewable energy will also be discussed in view of the fact that consuls are the first point of contact for potential investment in this sector.

They will also look at the way forward as they consider other issues concerning Small Island Developing States “to strengthen the road map adopted at the last conference”.

Former French ambassador Marcel Surbiquet and Maitre Andre Stcwatchgen are expected to propose the launch of an association called Friends of Seychelles.

In his speech, Mr Faure said the delegates would evaluate their activities and see how they can work better together to help the country attain its goals by putting available resources, knowledge, skills and networks to maximum use.

“On behalf of President James Michel who is away, I would like to express to you the Seychelles government's deepest appreciation for accepting to be present, despite your busy business and personal schedules,” he told them.

He said despite being a small country, Seychelles’ foreign policy is ambitious.
“The appointment of Seychellois in different international organisations is a symbol of the renewed dynamism in Seychelles’ cooperation,” he said.

“In the recent years, there has been a redeployment of Seychelles' diplomacy which has continually been realistic, pragmatic and mature.”

He said the world is often dangerous and remains fundamentally unfair for developing countries, in particular Small Island Developing countries which face problems mostly generated elsewhere, and middle-income countries frequently abandoned half-way on the road to economic progress and social advancement.

“We must rely first and foremost on ourselves to address our challenges, and then, on our friends and partners.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Paul Adam said world affairs have changed significantly since the last consular conference two years ago.

“One can see these changes being reflected in the situation in Seychelles. We want to convey to you both the practicalities resulting from these changes and the dynamism to be found in the Seychelles business of today: Seychelles has reached a turning point in its development: it is indeed a New Seychelles!

He said there is no better time to represent Seychelles – “as we are more determined than ever to be a reliable and effective partner on the international scene”.

Mr Adam said Seychelles brand is growing strongly and is gaining a sterling reputation but islands are more vulnerable and more threatened today than they have ever been in their history. He cited the threats of climate change, piracy and financial crises.

The honorary consul to Bulgaria, Maxime Behar, said the consuls are relieved to be in “quiet Seychelles having come from out there where there is so much going on”, telling Nation he was referring to riots and protests that are denying millions of citizens elsewhere a chance for peaceful lives.