Calling for quality delivery in network of consulars |05 October 2021
President Ramkalawan delivering his address virtually (Photo: Thomas Meriton)
The first Virtual Regional Consular Conference organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Tourism with the various honorary consuls (HCs) and honorary consuls general (HCGs) across the globe, officially kicked off yesterday.
The four-day conference which started off with Seychelles’ heads of missions based in Europe, is set to continue today with those based in the African and Indian Ocean region, followed by HCs from Asia and the Middle East on Friday October 8, before concluding with the Americas on Monday October 11.
Over the course of the four days, the Minister for Foreign Affairs & Tourism Sylvestre Radegonde will through a main presentation address the main Foreign Policy Priorities of the government and how to promote them, engage with heads of missions in exploring ways of bringing more revenue to Seychelles through investments, tourism and the diaspora, as well as exchanges and discussions aimed at charting the way forward, towards a fully engaged, dynamic and pro-active consular corps that is abreast of the developments in Seychelles.
In a recorded address, the President of the Republic Wavel Ramkalawan stated that “Seychelles is ready to play a full role on the world stage, and expects the same of all nations”, calling on honorary consuls and honorary consul generals to continue to support Seychelles in development efforts, and her efforts to fund new initiatives towards boosting economic activities.
“Much as we would like to, our means and limited human resources do not allow us to have a bold diplomatic presence in all your countries of residence and jurisdiction, hence, the importance of the role you fulfil. We recognise the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Tourism, which I instituted upon assuming the Presidency, has been restructured earlier this year to make it more effective, more proactive, and more responsive to our needs and strategy, in the ever-changing circumstances.
“This conference is part of a far-reaching approach consistent with our strategy and policies. What is our strategy? It is to constantly remind the international community, the countries that you represent that in the face of competing challenges and priorities, Seychelles too faces similar situations. It is concerned with climate change, green and renewable energy, foreign direct investment, the Covid-19 pandemic, budgetary support and concessional financial inputs based on the vulnerability index, to name but a few. Our priorities are aligned especially in this new normal, in our recovery programme and process, driven as it is by our tourism industry, and as we seek economic diversification,” President Ramkalawan said.
The President also seized the opportunity to thank the HCs for their past and continued contributions to the development efforts of Seychelles, stating that they are deeply valued and appreciated. In particular, he conveyed gratitude to the HCs for the generous donations of Covid-19 supplies, and contributions to the Covid-19 Relief Fund, a large portion of which financed the ongoing national immunisation campaign, which has enabled the quick reopening of international borders to visitors, allowing the tourism industry and economy to rebound.
Similarly, Minister Radegonde in his welcoming remarks emphasised the importance of having a network of consular representatives who deliver on what is expected of them in discharging services in their respective jurisdictions, promoting and protecting the interests of the country and people, and in promoting visibility for the country.
“I would rather aim to have a small core of honorary consuls who perform well and delivers to our mutual expectations rather than a large group that does not. The appointment of honorary consuls and the retention of their services should be, and must be, on the basis of a mutually beneficial and rewarding relationship; a relationship of trust, accountability and transparency.
“Our priorities should be your priorities. They include the promotion of business opportunities, inward investments, technical and scientific cooperation, exchanges in various forms etc. They all provide for a mutually-beneficial relationship between us and our respective countries. In some cases, formal channels of communication may not be quite sufficient in themselves to advance those interests. Sometimes, the human touch, personal contacts may be required to give impetus to them. And this is where you come in! Especially through your own personal contacts that you have developed and nurtured with the authorities concerned in your countries,” Minister Radegonde said.
Furthermore, the minister reiterated the urgency in voicing Seychelles’ concerns to the world, to ensure that the interests of the country and nation are taken into account, and vulnerabilities appropriately addressed.
Presently, Seychelles has one of the most significant networks of consular representatives across the globe, with 88 consulates spread across 61 different countries. At least 84 honorary consuls will be attending the event virtually from their country of residence or jurisdiction, where they will also have the opportunity to explain their plan of activity for the upcoming year, for the mutual benefit of Seychelles.
The Seychelles delegation comprises Minister Radegonde, principal secretary for Foreign Affairs Vivianne Fock Tave, principal secretary for tourism Sherin Francis, principal secretary for economic planning Elizabeth Agathine, director general of the Bilateral Affairs Division Lindy Ernesta and director general of the Multilateral Affairs Division Amanda Padayachy, among other officials.
Laura Pillay
