As part of Seychelles’ strategy to strengthen ties with Asian countries, Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Paul Adam has signed an economic and technical cooperation agreement (ETCA) with his Cambodian counterpart Hor Namhong, who is also Deputy Prime Minister.

The signing, last week in Phnom Penh, follows a similar one in August with Vietnam after two other ETCAs signed during the last two years with Korea and the Philippines.

All these give Seychelles a competitive advantage, in terms of legal instruments, to carry out the government’s “look East” policy aimed at tapping into the resources of the Asian market, especially with reference to tourism, fisheries, agriculture, trade and investment.

They will also complement the benefits of the country’s relations with its traditional friends in Europe, the Middle East and North America in particular.

Mr Adam’s visit to Cambodia coincided with the 6th General Assembly of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) attended by representatives of 100 political parties from 40 countries.

The main aim of ICAPP, which was founded in 2000, is to enhance cooperation and exchange of viewpoints among various political parties with different ideologies, and to improve mutual understanding and trust among the nations and countries of Asia.

Other goals are to promote regional cooperation through the unique role and channel of political parties, and to create an environment for sustainable peace and shared prosperity in the region.

Mr Adam was the only non-Asian envoy invited to address the opening ceremony. Other speakers included Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Malaysian PM Najib Razak, Nepalese PM Madhav Kumar Nepal, as well as the former President of the Philippines Fidel Ramos and the former President of Indonesia Megawati Sukarnoputri.

Mr Adam took the opportunity to promote Seychelles’ stance in the fight against piracy and highlighted the challenges Small Island Developing States face in connection with climate change.

He was accompanied by Seychelles’ non-resident ambassador to Cambodia, Philippe Le Gall, who is based in Beijing, China.
 

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