Remarks by Minister Jean-Paul Adam, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Seychelles on the occasion of the annual diplomatic cocktail, La Plaine St Andre, Au Cap
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
It is a great pleasure to welcome you all once again to our annual gathering, where we have for the second year running come together at La Plaine St. Andre.
This exceptional venue has added significance this year, as we meet in one of the three districts most affected by the flooding in January this year.
I take this opportunity to warmly acknowledge the solidarity of so many of our international partners represented here today that have expressed their support in the face of this disaster which has challenged our capacity as a small island state.
This solidarity strengthens our belief that we can always achieve more in partnership.
Our foreign policy is forged on the notion that we can all achieve more, and strengthen our resilience through cooperation.
Challenges being faced by the international community are manifold – from questions of international peace and security to equally pressing issues such as sustainable development, environmental protection, the fight against HIV/AIDS and the eradication of poverty.
Such challenges continue to test the ability of the international community to cooperate.
It is essential that we seek shared solutions where we can to these challenges as they affect us all.
In this context, Seychelles remains fully committed to the role of the United Nations. This is why Seychelles is seeking a non-permanent seat on the UNSC.
In relation to our bid, we do not see our size as a weakness- but rather a source of strength.
More than most countries, our development agenda is one which is linked to the health of our planet. Our size compels us to bring multilateral solutions to national problems.
As a Small Island Developing State, we are often the first to be affected by global phenomena- whether it be financial crisis or climate change.
In his State of the Nation Address, President Michel has reminded us that we cannot wait for global problems to be at our doorstep- we must- despite our size- be part of the global solution.
On the subject of piracy- we have shown that we can have a meaningful impact. The models for prosecuting pirates and successfully transferring them back to Somalia have been possible thanks to our own determination in cooperation with so many of our partners present here tonight.
We have turned the tide against impunity of criminality in our ocean.
But we cannot afford to be complacent.
Piracy has shown us that we need stronger institutions to ensure security in our region. It is thus with great pleasure that we shall very shortly be inaugurating with the British Government and other partners the new Regional Anti-piracy Prosecution and Intelligence Centre (RAPPIC). This centre will be a new reference point for prosecution of piracy- but also for dealing with all forms of criminality on the high seas.
Our work on piracy, is just one of the ways in which Seychelles has marked its engagement in the community of nations.
We have continued to work with partners on solutions for the building of effective governance within Somalia, as it is essential that we create the right conditions for sustaining the gains that have been achieved there.
Within the United Nations, Following Palestine’s recognition as a Non-Member Observer State of the United Nations, we express the hope that, with the support of the international community, Israelis and Palestinians will commit themselves to peaceful coexistence within the framework of two sovereign states, where respect for justice and the legitimate aspirations of the two peoples will be preserved and guaranteed.
We encourage the efforts being made to build peace and security in Africa, especially in those places where the wounds of war remain open and where their grave humanitarian consequences are being felt, places where acts of terrorism are still holding hostage the stability and prosperity of our dear brothers and sisters in Africa. I think particularly of the Horn of Africa, and the East of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where new of acts of violence have erupted. We must not also lose sight of the threats looming on the horizon.
Seychelles, like other African countries and the entire international community, found the situation in Mali as one to be of great concern for Africa as a whole and for the peace and security in the world. Seychelles has unequivocally supported the French and Malian military action in the context of the mandate of AMISMA.
We call for a peaceful solution that restores constitutional order, addresses genuine grievances, promotes reconciliation, and ensures the country’s territorial integrity.
In Syria the tragedy continues to deepen with limited prospect of political resolution. The high death toll is of great concern. More has to be done as we cannot fail the Syrian people. A durable solution to the crisis must be led and owned by Syrians working together in a spirit of inclusive dialogue and mutual understanding so all Syrians.
This year, Seychelles has also been proud to bring its contribution to the elaboration of the new Charter of the Commonwealth, and we particularly welcome the adoption of Article XIV, representing the recognition of the key specificities of development of Small island Developing States. This Charter will be presented later this year to our own National Assembly.
Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,
Permettez-moi de vous dire, avec simplicité et émotion, mais aussi avec fierté, que les Seychelles, mesurent dans sa pleine dimension et assument dignement son trilinguisme. Notre appartenance à la famille de la francophonie prend racine dans les profondeurs de notre histoire et inspire notre avenir. C’est une francophonie porteuse d’espérance, d’un idéal de liberté et d’affirmation de notre identité créole. Une identité née du dialogue de trois continents et de la coexistence dynamique de nos trois langues nationales que sont le créole, l’anglais et le français.
En ce qui concerne le français, nous nous réjouissons d’avoir ce soir parmi nous M. Clément Duhaime, Administrateur de l’Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, qui en est l’un des ardents défenseurs et qui a mis toute son énergie, son enthousiasme et son talent au service de sa promotion. Notre attachement au Pacte Linguistique que nous avons signé en 2010 avec l’O.I.F participe à la réalisation des mêmes objectifs d’entretenir une dynamique favorable au français pour conserver et renforcer notre trilinguisme.
Aussi, je saisis cette occasion pour remercier sincèrement l’OIF, pour son appui constant et son engagement dans les projets de développement linguistiques des Seychelles.
Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,
Ambitieuse et pragmatique, la diplomatie seychelloise a été, tout au long de l’année écoulée, au cœur de l’action pour la mise en œuvre des priorités concernant le développement du pays.
La consolidation, le renforcement et la diversification des relations d’amitié et de coopération entre les pays de l’Océan Indien, ont été en première ligne de la politique étrangère du pays.
Créer des partenariats destinés à promouvoir des opportunités d’affaires, d’investissements, de croissance, d’emploi, de formation, d’accompagnement en expertise, ont été l’épine dorsale de cette politique.
Notre présidence à la COI, au cours de l’année écoulée, a été au dire même de nos frères de l’Océan Indien, initiatrice de nouveaux projets et de nouveaux rapports que nous avons voulu plus étroits et plus féconds. Nous avons mené cette présidence à travers la volonté de faire de la COI un levier de développement de nos diverses ressources et une organisation au sein de laquelle, la complémentarité, l’esprit de solidarité et de franche concertation, se sont placés au-dessus de toutes les autres considérations.
Ce fut une présidence assumée avec fierté, et qui s’est voulu dynamique et rigoureuse au regard des exigences de la coopération, et intelligente au regard de la valorisation des atouts considérables de notre région, notamment en ce qui concerne les énergies renouvelables, les économies bleue et verte, la sécurité et la stabilité.
Le Président James Michel vient encore de rappeler dans son discours sur l’Etat de la Nation, mardi dernier, à quel point les Seychelles misent sur le développement de l’économie bleue. Parce que la mer est avant tout le trait d’union qui nous lie au reste du monde. C’est pourquoi, nous n’aurons de cesse d’encourager et de mobiliser toutes les initiatives capables de nous conduire à la création d’une plateforme régionale afin de réfléchir sur les bases d’une étroite collaboration qui nous permettra d’exploiter au profit de nos populations l’énorme potentiel de ce secteur.
Excellences, Mesdames et Messieurs,
Les Seychelles ont fait de la coopération renforcée en Océan Indien un choix stratégique, et notre objectif est d’user de notre diplomatie proactive pour nouer des partenariats mutuellement bénéfiques avec les pays de la région afin de répondre aux attentes de développement et de bien-être de nos populations.
Nous pouvons nous féliciter déjà que de nombreux chantiers porteurs sur le plan économique et commercial, soient déjà en route. Je veux parler notamment des projets de sécurité alimentaire, d’énergies renouvelables, de biodiversité, de transport maritime, de tourisme, etc.
C’est pourquoi, dans un élan de solidarité renouvelée, nous allons continuer à nous donner la main afin de transformer les énormes opportunités que recèle le développement de l’économie bleue et l’économie verte, en termes d’emplois et de partenariats économiques, en faveur de notre jeunesse. Comme vient du reste de demander encore, mardi dernier, le Président Michel dans son discours sur l’état de la Nation. La réussite d’une telle entreprise dépendra évidemment de notre capacité à mobiliser notre jeunesse.
Mais comme nous le savons, le développement économique passe impérativement par la stabilité politique, une compréhension et une adoption plus large du concept de sécurité en vue de garantir le bien-être des citoyens de la région.
C’est pourquoi nous n’avons pas hésité un seul instant à conjuguer nos efforts à ceux de la SADC, afin de trouver une solution efficace et inclusive à la crise que connait depuis un certain temps le peuple frère de Madagascar. Car Madagascar est une chance pour l’Océan Indien, par sa dimension territoriale, ses potentialités et la diversité de sa population. Un Madagascar politiquement stable et fort économiquement, est sans aucun doute une source de prospérité pour tous les Etats de la sous-région.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
In this year where we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of our African Union, Seychelles reiterates its engagement towards regional integration as a vehicle for peace and security and as a means for strengthening resilience and opportunities.
We are encouraged by the mobilisation of the COMESA Fund, under which Seychelles is beginning to benefit, and we look forward to the operationalisation of the SADC infrastructure fund. We are pleased that our call for the needs of island states to be considered in the context of regional organisations is being heard. We are committed to ensure also that we can create more opportunities for consumers as well as businesses in Seychelles through these regional processes.
We are also extremely encouraged by the new dynamism of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, and we are convinced that our efforts to foster a true ‘circle of friendship’ that spans our ocean will continue to be bolstered through this organisation.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
Seychelles considers itself friend of all, and enemy of none.
And we are particularly grateful for the strength of the friendships that we have with all the partners present tonight.
Since our reforms of 2008, we have become engaged in a process to make our small nation more resilient.
When piracy hit us at the height of global crisis- it could not have come at a worse time.
But we have faced up to these challenges and we have worked with our friends and partners for global solutions.
We believe that we have a lot more that we can offer to the world.
We thank you all for your support and solidarity.
Before concluding, allow me to also offer a few words of appreciation to the dedicated staff of Maison Quéau de Quinssy. In the last 3 years, Seychelles has often found itself in unfamiliar situations. But thanks to their determination, we have always risen to the occasion. They have all shown that they are prepared to push themselves- and through that offer the best of themselves for their country. No minister could ask for more.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, please join me in raising our glasses to your good health and to the year ahead!
I thank you for your attention.
