Diplomats welcome economic reforms |01 February 2006

They said that a vibrant economy, democratic values and safety for their families are what citizens aspire to in nations around the world, large or small.

The diplomats’ views were expressed by the British High Commissioner, H.E. Diane Skingle, who was speaking in her capacity as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Seychelles, during a reception hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for diplomatic and consular corps, on Monday, at the Wharf Hotel.

President Michel, Vice-President Joseph Belmont and the Minister for Economic Planning and Employment, Jacquelin Dugasse were among the guests present at the reception.

H.E. Skingle said the diplomats understand the challenges Seychelles faces as a small island developing state.

“Small island states struggle to mitigate the disproportionate effects of climate change and natural disasters. But they are also vulnerable to external economic shocks, are often geographically separated from their markets and have relatively small skilled workforces.
 
 “It is encouraging therefore, in the face of such difficulties, to hear President Michel's commitment to stable economic reform and management, debt sustainability, good governance and peace and security for all in Seychelles,” she said.

She said that Seychelles has already achieved remarkable progress on the Millennium Development Goals and stands high on the United Nations Human Development Index.

“Seychelles also plays a committed role in its international relationships, not only bilaterally but in multilateral fora such as the United Nations, the African Union, the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, la Francophonie, the Commonwealth  - and once again SADC,” the high commissioner said.

She said that Seychelles has many international friends, partners, and investors, and that the “drive forward to achieve sustainable and equitable development in Africa and beyond is one of the commitments we share together.”

She talked of the need for countries to work together to overcome common global threats.

“The arrival of the cruise ship Seabourn Spirit in Port Victoria (after it was attacked by pirates off Somalia) late last year brought home to us how vulnerable we all are. How terrorism can be brought unexpectedly close to our lives. We all have to be on our guard, all of the time. And to act together, to combat this most terrible of crimes.

“We appreciate your solidarity. Peace and security have to be the cornerstones of all our lives. There is a limit to what any country can achieve on its own. We are all stronger by acting in cooperation with each other,” she said.

She said that she and her colleagues welcome President Michel’s commitment to transparency and goodwill in dialogue with bilateral and multilateral partners and that they look forward to seeing the continued progress of the people of Seychelles in the coming months and years.

“The Diplomatic Corps thank you warmly for your hospitality and for sharing with us your thoughts and aspirations. We also very much appreciate the many efforts made to include the Diplomatic Corps in the cultural, social and other events that help us to see and understand all aspects of ‘lavi seselwa,’” H.E. Skingle said.

The leaders and diplomats started the ceremony by observing a moment of silence in honour of General Sandro Azais, the husband of the Charge d’Affaires of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Mrs Alexandra Azais. General Azais passed away last Friday.