243rd anniversary of US independence celebrated |03 July 2019
Ambassador Reimer addressing guests at the reception on Monday
‘Seychelles and the USA nurture a long friendship of shared values and common aspirations,’ says VP Meriton
“The United States of America and the Republic of Seychelles nurture a long history of friendship based on shared values, common aspirations and neutral resolves to advance our collaborative efforts across different sectors for the well-being of our people”.
It was Vice-President Vincent Meriton who said this during a reception hosted by the American embassy to mark the 243rd independence day anniversary of the Republic of the United States of America. The reception was held on Monday night at the Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, Glacis.
Present were the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Danny Faure; Designated Minister Macsuzy Mondon; ministers; Attorney General Frank Ally; principal secretaries; members of the diplomatic corps; among other guests and host the ambassador of the United States of America to Seychelles, David Reimer, and his team from the US embassy in Mauritius.
In his speech for the occasion, Vice-President Meriton said the hosting of the United States’ 243rd Independence Day anniversary here in Seychelles is a testimony to the importance that both countries attach to their bilateral relations.
“Just two days ago, Seychelles celebrated its own independence day, our 43rd. Incidentally, this year marks 43 years of diplomatic relations between the USA and the Seychelles. Our national celebrations therefore serves as a strong reminder of our common struggles for liberty, self determination and indeed progress,” Vice-President Meriton said.
Vice-President Meriton availed of the opportunity to re-iterate Seychelles heartfelt gratitude to the government of the USA for its continued support in all sectors of our development.
“We note with appreciation the firm commitment of the US government to further cement our engagement in maritime security, in anti-corruption and in the work of the civil society among others,” Vice-President Meriton said, noting that Seychelles is striving along the road of nationhood by the tenets of transparency, accountability and good governance.
“This reflects our intention to further explore other areas of mutual co-operation for potential future collaborations. Additionally, Seychelles is committed to establishing and re-enforcing cooperation in areas such as the Blue Economy, renewable energy, fisheries, education and of course environmental protection with the USA,” Vice-President Meriton added.
The vice-president commended the American government for the Mandela Washington Fellowship Initiative which empowers young potential African leaders to participate actively in the development of their countries.
Vice-President Meriton expressed Seychelles gratitude to the US embassy for making such opportunities available to the Seychellois youths and extended Seychelles congratulations to this year’s fellowship participants, Beryl Payet and Alexandria Faure.
Celebrating the achievements and accomplishments on the historic occasion, Vice-President Meriton said that the Seychellois and the American people should also reflect on the future of the bilateral relations, noting that possibilities to further this mutually beneficial partnership for the benefit of the well-being of both peoples are numerous.
Vice-President Meriton toasted and expressed our sincere congratulations and wishes of success and prosperity to Ambassador Reimer and to the government and people of the United States of America on the occasion of their 243rd Independence Day.
Taking the stand before Vice-President Meriton, Ambassador Reimer thanked the people of Seychelles for the friendship and co-operation enjoyed over the years. He said that while geography separates Seychelles and the United States by over 15 thousand kilometres, our common values and mutual interests tie us together very closely.
“These include democracy, the rule of law, freedom of expression, diversity and free enterprise. In fact the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are enshrined in both of our countries’ founding documents,” Ambassador Reimer said.
He further stated that the US sees the partnership with Seychelles to advance security in the region as a top priority especially in the freedom of navigation and interdiction of piracy which are crucial to both.
Ambassador Reimer said the US values Seychelles’ close co-operation and expertise on these issues and look forward to enhancing more collaboration in the future.
Ambassador Reimer said the US considers Seychelles as an integral part and working partner in the Indo-Pacific for the interdiction of piracy and human trafficking.
He said that the US will continue working with Seychelles to bring the agenda further.
Ambassador Reimer talked about the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (Fatca) agreement signed with the Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning for information on US citizens to ensure that they pay taxes.
He also talked about the increase of co-operation in maritime and port security through conducting security training for port security personnel by the American navy.
He also hailed Seychelles for being a strong partner on the CUTLAS Express regional maritime security and disaster response exercise.
He further said that he was pleased the US embassy had the opportunity through its self-help grant programme to support Seychelles’ civil society working on local community based projects, some of which he had had the chance to visit and was so impressed with some of the projects related to women empowerment, drug rehabilitation, human trafficking, persons with disabilities etc.
Ambassador Reimer said that the Independence Day celebration is a very important holiday in the US marked by public celebrations of US history and ideals and also with fireworks, parades and back yard barbeques. Though with political and cultural differences, Ambassador Reimer said the declaration of independence and the adoption of the US constitutions unify the country.
Vice-President Meriton and Ambassador Reimer toasted to the friendly relationship and to the health and success of both countries.
The Independence Day of the United States of America is tomorrow, July 4.
