The new Japanese ambassador to the Republic of Seychelles, Ken Okaniwa, presented his accreditation letters to President Wavel Ramkalawan in a small ceremony yesterday morning at State House.

Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Ambassador Okaniwa noted that first he congratulated President Ramkalawan on his victory in the last election and they discussed various issues that are ongoing on the international arena.

“Since Seychelles’ independence, our two countries have had very good working relationships and cooperation in dealing with climate change and maritime safety. And we also helped in fighting Covid-19. We will continue to support Seychelles in these areas. We have already signed an agreement to provide the marine police with a vessel and a building,” the ambassador said.

Ambassador Okaniwa also paid a courtesy call on Vice-President Ahmed Afif and they discussed the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the crisis in Ukraine on the economy.

“We discussed on how we can work together to deal with these crises.”

Also present for the meeting at State House was the principal secretary in the Foreign Affairs department, Ambassador Vivianne FockTave.

Ambassador Okaniwa will be based in Nairobi.

Previously Ambassador Okaniwa was Ambassador/Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to international organisations in Geneva.

Seychelles exports to Japan consist mainly of fish and we import mainly transportation, machinery, etc.

Source: Seychelles Nation