Press release

Seychelles Embassy in Addis Ababa Celebrates National Day with Local Diplomatic Community

July 6, 2015
StateHouse

The Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia has celebrated the Seychelles National Day for the first time since the establishment of the Embassy in August 2012, with a cocktail reception held at the Radisson Blu in Addis Ababa.

With guests comprising of fellow Diplomatic Missions and representatives from the African Union and the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia amongst others, the Resident Ambassador, Mr Joseph Nourrice, toasted the future of Seychelles’ engagement with Africa and the African Union.

During his welcoming speech, the Seychelles Permanent Representative to the African Union and Resident Ambassador to Ethiopia, Mr Nourrice, spoke of the foreign policy ambitions of the Government of Seychelles:

“Our priorities for the future is to be part of the transformative wave of change that is blowing over Africa and transforming our continent into a vibrant, diverse and prosperous entity where our young people can benefit from meaningful livelihoods and our women can take their rightful place at the forefront of this change.”

Ambassador Nourrice spoke of Seychelles’ commitment to people centred development:

“Today is also a historic day, in that this is our first National day celebration since the establishment of Embassy in Addis Ababa two and a half years ago. Seychelles was in fact the last of the of the 54 member states to establish a resident Mission here. Yes, we were late but now that we are here, we mean business.

“We will continue to work to bring meaningful contributions towards the African Agenda.

“As Africa’s smallest state, Seychelles under the leadership of President James Michel who successfully championed the Seychelles economic reforms of the recent past, has set lofty itself goals.

“We espouse a strong belief in people centred development as being central to our vision and one to make Africa proud, by being part of its transformation. “

The Ambassador also spoke of the strong ties between Seychelles and Ethiopia as a friendship that is continually growing with new and varied engagements planned for the future.

Before concluding his remarks the Seychelles Ambassador also drew attention to the strengths of island states and their inherent vulnerabilities.

“It is no coincidence that we, as an island state, were the last to set up our Mission here in Addis, and that the two other Member States that are hoping to return here very soon are our sister islands, Cabo Verde and Sao Tome & Principe.

“Our Pan African organisation will not be complete without them in our midst.”

With regards to Seychelles bid to the UNSC Security Council, Ambassador Nourrice made the point that Seychelles is still in consolations at the level of the East Africa Group in Addis and that a decision would be forthcoming in the months to come.

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