Seychelles and Japan Discuss Opportunities to Deepen Bilateral Cooperation
On Sunday 20 September 2026, the Director of the Second Division of Africa at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Suzuki Hironori, paid a courtesy call on the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Ambassador Ian Madeleine, at Maison Quéau de Quinssy.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the two sides to review the longstanding diplomatic relations between Seychelles and Japan and to exchange views on key areas of mutual interest and cooperation. As island nations, Seychelles and Japan share a number of common concerns, particularly in areas such as maritime security, climate change, sustainable development and the protection of ocean resources.
Against this backdrop, Mr Suzuki highlighted the need to promote cooperation across a range of areas, including maritime security and efforts to address regional challenges such as piracy. Mr Suzuki also outlined Japan’s intention to focus on security cooperation with partner countries through a new scheme aimed at strengthening maritime security capabilities.
Ambassador Madeleine expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support to Seychelles, particularly in the area of maritime security. He acknowledged Japan’s assistance towards the Marine Police headquarters, the donation of a high-speed patrol boat in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), as well as its ongoing capacity-building initiatives. Health and fisheries were also identified as sectors with further potential for bilateral cooperation, particularly through technical assistance, knowledge-sharing and capacity building.
During the discussions, Ambassador Madeleine also highlighted the importance of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). He noted that greater recognition of the unique vulnerabilities faced by island states could help countries such as Seychelles access concessional financing and other forms of support to strengthen resilience and address the impacts of climate change.
The two sides further discussed Expo 2027, which will offer Seychelles an important platform to showcase its environmental initiatives and sustainable tourism products, while promoting greater engagement with the Japanese market. The meeting reaffirmed the shared interest of Seychelles and Japan in further strengthening their bilateral partnership.
Source : Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora – Republic of Seychelles
