President Danny Faure attended the official opening ceremony of the first Japanese Embassy in Seychelles at Eden Bleu yesterday evening.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-President who is also responsible for the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr Vincent Meriton, said that the opening of a Japanese Embassy in the heart of one of the smallest capitals in the world represents a new chapter in the diplomatic relations between Seychelles and Japan.

"As we celebrate the establishment of the Japanese Embassy in Seychelles, an important milestone on our journey, I would like to reaffirm our commitment to further engage with Japan, one of Seychelles' key bilateral island partners. We are committed to explore new avenues for cooperation such as technology, cultural exchange and entrepreneurship with Japan. We also applaud the continuous support on the international scene given by Japan to Seychelles on matters critical to the survival of Small Island Developing States, such as climate change and environmental degradation,” said Vice-President Meriton.

"Japan and Seychelles have shared a harmonious and dynamic relationship that continues to grow from strength to strength. This milestone represents our two nations’ commitment, despite geographical distances, to reinforce and enhance the longstanding relations for the benefits of our peoples. The inauguration of the Japanese Embassy in Victoria comes at a most opportune time, when our countries celebrate 43 years of strong, rewarding and successful diplomatic ties,” continued the Vice-President.

On his part, the newly accredited Ambassador of Japan to Seychelles, H.E. Ryoichi Horie, retraced how the many years of cordial relations have continued to move from strength to strength between Seychelles and Japan. “The opening of this office is another great step towards strengthening our cooperation. Therefore I am indeed very pleased to see progressive development of our friendly and cordial bilateral relationship,” said Ambassador Horie.