Seychelles and Egypt discuss future collaborations in agriculture and climate change |30 October 2023
Minister Joubert with Ambassador Attiya
The ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Republic of Seychelles, Wael M. Nasr El-Din M. Attiya, paid a courtesy visit recently to the Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change, and Environment, Flavien Joubert.
The meeting was marked by discussions centered on potential collaborations between the two countries in the domains of efficient agricultural studies and research, as well as climate change management.
The conversation delved into the considerable advantage Seychelles could gain from Egypt's well[1]established institutions, including the Agriculture Research Centre, the National Research Centre, the National Water Research Centre, the Food and Agriculture Council, and the University Agricultural Facilities.
These institutions, renowned for their expertise in various aspects of agriculture, are poised to offer significant support to Seychelles in its pursuit of enhancing crop and livestock development.
Furthermore, the discussion emphasised the importance of bilateral exchange programmes and the development of the Seychellois workforce's capacity in agricultural financing.
The parties also expressed their intentions to establish a financing mechanism akin to the Agricultural Bank of Egypt, catering specifically to the needs and interests of the local farming community.
The delegates acknowledged the shared challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity, particularly relevant in both Egypt and Seychelles. In light of this, they reached a consensus to explore collaborative endeavours in investing in climate-smart agriculture. Egypt's expertise in managing limited water resources is anticipated to be shared, enabling Seychelles to navigate similar challenges effectively.
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on enriching the technical capabilities of key staff members, with a focus on exploring modern agricultural digital services. Such initiatives are expected to facilitate effective communication and the exchange of knowledge within the agricultural sector, ultimately fostering sustainable development and growth.
The visit of the Egyptian ambassador signifies a promising step towards a stronger and more collaborative relationship between Egypt and Seychelles, particularly in the domains of agriculture, climate change, and environmental sustainability.
Present at the meeting were the principal secretary for Agriculture, Keven Nancy, the executive director Catherina Bonnelame and chief biosecurity officer Randy Stravens.
Contributed