Countries & Regions

On June 2, for about 15 minutes from 9:50 am, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had a meeting with H.E. Mr. James Alix Michel, President of the Republic of Seychelles, in Yokohama, Japan. The following is the gist of the meeting. President Michel is visiting Japan to participate in the Fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V) held from June 1 to June 3.

1. At the beginning of the meeting, Prime Minister Abe welcomed the visit of President Michel to Japan and expressed his hope for development both in Africa and Japan on the occasion of TICAD V, which marks the 20th anniversary of the TICAD process. In response, President Michel expressed his appreciation for the invitation to TICAD V and paid respect for Prime Minister Abe’s leadership, noting that Japan and Africa have been able to build strategic partnership through the TICAD process.
2. Next, President Michel said that Japan and Seychelles share the same value of the Green Economy and the Blue Economy. He added that cooperation with Japan in the area of fisheries is important for Seychelles’ economy and also said that he is keen to work together in other areas including coastal erosion and solar power generation. He also expressed his gratitude for Japan’s contribution to anti-piracy operations.
3. Prime Minister Abe extended his heartfelt sympathy for affected people and damage caused by a tropical cyclone that hit Seychelles this January. While noting that Japan has been providing technical cooperation concerning coastal erosion and flood management in Seychelles, Prime Minister Abe said that Japan will continue to make efforts to satisfy Seychelles’ expectations. Next, Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan will work together with Seychelles in anti-piracy efforts, for example, prosecution of pirates, in order to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia. The Japanese prime minister also said that Japan will conduct related surveys in order to enhance a cooperative relationship with Seychelles in the field of fisheries.
4. In addition, the two leaders also exchanged opinions concerning cooperation in the international arena, including the development in Africa.