Toshihisa Takata said this at State House yesterday after presenting his credentials to President James Michel to become his country’s 12th ambassador.

He said Japan and Seychelles have enjoyed good and friendly relations for many years but there is room for them to be strengthened in politics, the fight against piracy, economic ties, fisheries and environment conservation.

Mr Takata said fisheries cooperation should be stepped up but noted there has been a cut in the number of Japanese vessels operating within Seychelles’ waters because of the piracy threat. However, he hopes “better days in that sector are coming”.

He said given that island countries are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, further areas of cooperation to combat it should be explored.

Mr Takata also called on National Assembly speaker Dr Patrick Herminie, government ministers and other top officials.

And he signed a debt deferring and cancellation agreement with principal secretary for finance Ahmed Afif.

Mr Takata will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.