Hon. Makihara Hideki and Hon. Yamagiwa Daishiro, both Members of the Japanese Parliament, the National Diet, paid a Courtesy Call on the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Roger Mancienne on Tuesday 17th January 2023. Speaker Mancienne was accompanied by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mrs. Tania Isaac, and Deputy Clerk, Ms. Alexandria Faure.
The Speaker thanked the delegation for their interest in the National Assembly and noted his pride in the existing relationship between the Seychelles and Japan and the shared interests of both countries. The Hon. Makihara and Hon. Yamagiwa expressed their thanks for the opportunity to meet the Speaker and explained that the purpose of their visit was to review the operation of the Japanese Embassy in Seychelles and ensure that Japan-Seychelles relations were being strengthened and functioning well. Hon. Yamagiwa put forward a request for a Seychelles Embassy to be established and run in Tokyo, Japan, in order to encapsulate the warm and cooperative spirit of the existing bilateral relations. The Speaker and both MPs agreed on the symbolism of an embassy and how it truly represents the sincerity and trust of a diplomatic relationship.
The Members of Parliament (MPs) discussed the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), and how the main goal is to create partnerships, as opposed to philanthropic missions, with African states including Seychelles. A topic discussed at length was the similarities in population-related challenges; Japan has maintained an ageing population, whilst Seychelles has experienced an increase in emigration, and particularly ‘human capital flight’. Hon. Mancienne indicated that Seychelles must observe Japan and learn closely from their actions, which was seconded by the Japanese Members of Parliament. They emphasised the need for adaptive economic development in order to maintain and improve the functioning of social services such as welfare and pensions.
Global security and geopolitical stability was discussed briefly, where Hon. Mancienne emphasised that the that the Seychelles, much like Japan, follow the values of global peace, respect to sovereignty, and the promotion of dialogue above the use of violence.
Both Hon. Makihara and Hon. Yamagiwa made known their desire for a development of trade links between Japan and Seychelles, particularly a more easily accessible air route. Hon. Mancienne agreed and noted that this was a much-needed conversation for the future, as an increase in visitors would boost tourism and skill-sharing for both countries.
The Members of Parliament were presented with a token of appreciation each, with thanks by the Speaker on behalf of the National Assembly before the meeting concluded.
