Joseph Nourrice has been accredited as Seychelles’ first African Union (AU) resident ambassador.

Mr Nourrice presented his credentials earlier this month to Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, the chairperson of the AU Commission, at the AU headquarters Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The ceremony took place in the presence of members of the bureau of the chairperson including the chief of staff of the bureau and secretary general of the AU Commission.
 
Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma welcomed ambassador Nourrice as the first permanent representative to the AU based in the capital, and congratulated Seychelles for this important step in establishing a mission in Addis Ababa.

Ambassador Nourrice, on his part, conveyed the message of congratulations and best wishes from President James Michel to the chairperson on her election at the head of the Pan African organisation.

The ambassador then expressed his appreciation for the privilege and confidence bestowed on him to start the mission in the capital of Africa.
 
He noted that this was an historic occasion, and that he would endeavour to live up to the trust placed in him.

The accreditation will allow Seychelles to play a more dynamic role on matters affecting the continent and beyond.
 
It will also bring Seychelles nearer to the member states and reinforce the country’s working relationship with the AU, other missions and international organisations based in Addis Ababa, remarked ambassador Nourrice.

Maritime security is a major concern for Seychelles as piracy affects the two principal pillars of our economy, namely tourism and fisheries.

 While commending the good work being done by the commission, we would definitely like to see more of the maritime component injected in the peace and security architecture of the African Union, noted ambassador Nourrice.

During the discussions, ambassador Nourrice pointed out that the issue of small island states and the need to address their specificities within the broader continental agenda was of paramount importance in this globalised environment.
 
Climate change, peace and security, infrastructural development, tourism are some of the issues which Seychelles would bring to the table and make valuable contributions.

On her part, chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma said she would do her best to provide Seychelles with all the support to ensure that the mission has a successful operation in Addis.

Mr Nourrice thanked the chairperson and her team and expressed the sentiment that this promises to be a new beginning for a fruitful collaboration between Seychelles and the AU.

Forrás: www.nation.sc