The new Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Seychelles, H.E Ambassador Ken Okaniwa formally presented his credentials to the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan during a ceremony held at State House yesterday morning.

President Ramkalawan welcome H.E Ambassador Okaniwa to Seychelles shores and congratulated him on his accreditation. During discussions, the President highlighted the longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation that exist between Seychelles and Japan and recognise and extend gratitude to Japan for its contribution to Seychelles.

“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1976, the Seychelles-Japan relationship continues to flourish and we continue to steer our bilateral cooperation into several fields. Japan has always maintained an active interest in contributing to Seychelles’ socio-economic development and we look forward to expanding into many more avenues of cooperation” said President Ramkalawan

On his part H.E Ambassador Okaniwa conveyed the warm greetings of the Emperor of Japan, H.E. Hironomiya Naruhito whilst also expressing the wish of his government to further strengthen the bonds of friendship between Seychelles and Japan. Following his accreditation, H.E Ambassador Okaniwa also paid a courtesy visit to the Vice-President, Mr Ahmed Afif.

Ambassador Okaniwa was accompanied by Ambassador Kato Eiji, Japanese Chargé d’Affaires e.p, based at the Embassy of Japan in Victoria, Mr Katsumata Takao, Defence Attaché and Mr Jarel Nibourette, Secretary/Political and Economic Assistant, Embassy of Japan.

Also present was the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ms Vivianne Focktave, the Director for Bilateral Affairs, Ms Patsy Moustache and First Secretary, Ms Wendy Isnard.