Seychelles Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Paul Adam thanked representatives of our international partners for their countries’ and organisations’ support which helped us overcome both challenges.

The event was hosted by his ministry at the Maison Queau de Quinssy at Mont Fleuri.

It was attended by – among others – former President James Mancham, Vice-President Danny Faure, Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, chief justice Fredrick Egonda-Ntende, president of the Court of Appeal Francis MacGregor, ministers, and the chief of defence forces Brigadier Leopold Payet.

“The year 2010 has been a year where we have worked very hard to ensure the ongoing process of globalisation is an opportunity for us – more than a challenge,” said Mr Adam.

“We appreciate all the support from our partners in this process.

“Islands are the first to be hit by both financial storms and climatic disasters.

“We are the first to be submerged by unsustainable debt. And about the first to be submerged beneath rising seas.

“Through the support from our partners, Seychelles is tackling its debt problems – a problem yet to be broached by many of our fellow Small Island Developing States,” he said.

Mr Adam said the international community is at a defining moment in the fight against piracy.

He said so far anti-piracy efforts have allowed us to manage the situation but not progress towards solving it.

“We will continue to call for us to move beyond the tried and tested.

“If we are not prepared to do so, we are accepting to be held hostage by a dictatorship of chaos.

“At this stage, to simply continue doing exactly what we are already doing is to accept defeat,”
Mr Adam said the number of hostages being held in Somalia goes beyond the counts of most prisoners of war from recent conflicts and the number of vessels being used as mother ships is bigger than many navies in the region.

“We appreciate the support of many of our partners for our efforts but we must now be prepared to strengthen our resolve and move towards the next step,” he said.

The dean of the diplomatic corps Asit Kumar Nag, who is the Indian high commissioner to Seychelles, said since their last meeting, Seychelles has made many notable achievements in many important spheres of activity.

“While the global economic recession had taken its toll on majority of the nations, it is gratifying to note its impact on Seychelles has been minimal,” he said.

“Despite its limited size and resources, Seychelles with its commendable efforts has tackled this complex problem with amazing success.

“The positive reports of the leading international financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank rightly acknowledge this spectacular achievement,” he said.

He said Seychelles has successfully implemented the economic reforms launched in 2008 through this country’s positive approach.

Mr Kumar Nag said increased piracy in the Indian Ocean is a worrying factor.

“The international community has been extending its valuable support in tackling this menace.

“The strong determination and will shown by Seychelles despite its limited maritime security resources in handling piracy has indeed been remarkable,” he said.

He said the economic successes and victory against piracy makes Seychelles a role model.

“Full credit goes to the government of Seychelles under the dynamic leadership of President James Michel and his team of ministers,” said Mr Kumar Nag.