Japan-Seychelles Relations

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Seychelles' independence and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Seychelles on June 29, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, issued a congratulatory letter to H.E. Dr. Patrick HERMINIE, President of the Republic of Seychelles, to celebrate these milestones, as below:

Provisional Translation

On the occasion of the fiftieth Anniversary of the Independence of Seychelles and the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Seychelles, I would like to share our heartfelt joy together with Your Excellency and the people of Seychelles.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations following the independence of Seychelles in 1976, our two countries have maintained excellent bilateral relations. It is truly gratifying that in recent years the exchange of high-level visits has become ever more active through opportunities such as Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan and the ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) held last year, and the Island States Ocean Summit this year.

During the Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan last year, outstanding performances by Seychelles’ boys’ choir as well as traditional music and dance show were presented on the Seychelles’ National Day, and student exchanges were also conducted, which created a unique opportunity for cultural and people-to-people exchanges between our two countries.

This year is also a milestone marking the tenth anniversary since Japan advocated the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) on the African continent. Recently, as the Takaichi Cabinet, Japan has updated FOIP. Located at a strategic point in the Indian Ocean and sharing fundamental values with Japan, Seychelles is an important partner for the realization of FOIP. In order to realize FOIP, Japan places importance on countries, including those in Africa, promoting their freedom to decide for themselves and enhancing their resilience, and has provided support to Seychelles such as in enhancing the maritime security capabilities of the marine police for its own maritime law enforcement capabilities, and developing efficient fishing ports.

Japan, like Seychelles, is an island nation surrounded on all sides by a vast ocean. As a nation nurtured by the sea, Japan will continue to be strongly committed to international cooperation in the maritime field and to climate change measures.

I am once again deeply grateful that your country will participate in the International Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama, Japan as known as “GREEN×EXPO 2027” next year. We would like to work closely together toward the success of the Expo.

Lastly, on the occasion of this memorable year, I sincerely hope that the relationship between Japan and Seychelles will make further leaps forward and that even stronger bonds of friendship will be built.