Japanese chargé d’affaires bids farewell to Minister Radegonde |10 March 2022

Chargé d’affaires Tominaga in a souvenir photograph with Minister Radegonde and his team from the Foreign Affairs department

The chargé d'affaires e.p. of Japan to the Republic of Seychelles, Ambassador Makoto Tominaga, paid a farewell call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde as he ends his three-year tenure in Seychelles.

During the meeting, Ambassador Tominaga thanked the minister for his support and cooperation in enhancing the already very good relations that exist between the two countries. “The embassy’s manpower is quite small, but I gave my best to improve the relations between Seychelles and Japan,” said Ambassador Tominaga.

On his part, Minister Radegonde conveyed his appreciation to Ambassador Tominaga for all his support over the years, and for his remarkable effort in further cementing the excellent relations that exist between Seychelles and Japan.

“As a solid friend of Seychelles, Japan has helped us in many areas, especially in the fisheries sector,” remarked the minister.

In response to Ambassador Tominaga’s statement on the importance of people-to-people relations, Minister Radegonde acknowledged that although government relations remain solid, there are more to be done to enhance people-to-people relations.

He expressed that he would like to see more Japanese visitors coming to Seychelles.

He added that he understands the constraints, especially that of air connectivity, which is a matter that can be further explored.

Similarly, he stated that he would like to see more Seychellois going to Japan as visitors or businessmen, and pointed out that this is an area where the two chambers of commerce can work together.

In conclusion, the Seychelles minister reiterated his gratitude to the chargé d’affaires and wished him and Mrs Tominaga all the best in their future endeavours.

Ambassador Tominaga was the first chargé d’affaires e.p. of Japan based in Seychelles. His successor is scheduled to arrive in the country by the end of this month.

Also present at the meeting was the principal secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Vivianne Fock Tave, the director general for Bilateral Affairs, Lindy Ernesta and other officials of the Foreign Affairs department.

Press release from the department of Foreign Affairs