Mesaz kondoleans pour fanmiy Joubert

Mesaz kondoleans pour fanmiy Joubert

Wed, 25 November 2015

Prezidan Michel i’n anvoy en mesaz personnel Madanm Gemma Joubert, son zanfan ek manm zot fanmiy swivan lanmor Msye David Joubert, yer.

Prezidan i’n eksprim son sagren an aprenan lanmor Msye Joubert apre en long maladi. “Menm si David ek mwan nou ti annan diferan ideolozi politik nou ti annan gran respe pour kanmarad,” Prezidan Michel ti dir,  an azoutan ki plizyer lannen apre zot ti vin zanmi.

Dan son mesaz, Prezidan Michel ti osi salye kontribisyon Msye David Joubert koman premye minis Tourizm Sesel.

Prezidan Michel ti termin son mesaz an ekspriman son senser kondoleans ensi ki kondoleans e senpati Gouvernman a Madanm Gemma Joubert, son zanfan e tou manm son fanmiy.

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Egyptian President commutes death sentences of three Seychellois nationals to life in prison

Egyptian President commutes death sentences of three Seychellois nationals to life in prison

Wed, 25 November 2015

The Office of the President has announced that, as a result of intensive diplomatic representations at the highest levels, the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Mr Abel Fattah el-Sisi, has decided to commute the death sentences of the three Seychellois nationals, currently being held in detention in Egypt for the capital crime of drug trafficking as prescribed by Egyptian law, to one of life sentence.

President James Michel has, in his direct appeals to his Egyptian counterpart on several occasions, played a strong and proactive role in ensuring the Seychellois in Egypt are spared the death sentence.

From the onset of the trial President Michel had tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Transport of the Republic of Seychelles to ensure that the Seychellois nationals are given legal assistance to defend themselves within the Egyptian judicial system, treated humanely and with dignity, facilitated contact between their family members as well as dispatching diplomats to Egypt on a regular basis to hold talks with their Egyptian counterparts and meet with the detainees.

It is important to note that the Seychelles Constitution does not permit capital punishment and that Seychelles is a strong advocate internationally for abolishing this practice.

The Government of Seychelles is now actively pursuing all means at its disposal to ensure that on the basis of an Exchange of Prisoners Agreement, the Seychellois currently incarcerated in the Arab Republic of Egypt can serve out their life sentences in Seychelles. At the behest of President Michel, the Seychelles Ambassador accredited to Egypt, Joseph Nourrice, is currently in Cairo in to discuss the next steps with the Egyptian Authorities and to communicate in person the news to the three Seychellois nationals of the commutation of their sentence.

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President Michel visits businesses at Port Glaud and Grand Anse

President Michel visits businesses at Port Glaud and Grand Anse

Thu, 19 November 2015

President James Michel visited several businesses in the Port Glaud and Grand Anse districts this morning, which forms part of his ongoing visits to various communities and businesses this year.

President Michel met with the owners of a self-catering guesthouse, a snacks catering business, a fashion boutique, a chicken farm, a fashion boutique,  an ice-making and printing business, an art gallery and a farm.

President James Michel was accompanied on the visit by the Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship Development and Business Innovation, Mr. Michael Benstrong, the Principal Secretary for Investment, Entrepreneurship Development and Business Innovation, Mrs. Marise Berlouis, the Member of the National Assembly for Port Glaud, the Hon. Jaquelin Sultane, the District Administrator for Port Glaud, Mr. George Auguste, the Member of the National Assembly for Grand Anse, the Hon. Lenny Lebon , the District Administrator for Grand Anse, Ms. Linette Mussard and senior officials in the Office of the President.

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Strengthening of cooperation in education and sports highlighted as new ambassador of Hungary is accredited to Seychelles

Victoria, Seychelles | November 18, 2015, Wednesday @ 09:19 in National » DIPLOMACY | By: Sharon Uranie | Views: 189

László Eduárd Máthé has become the fourth Hungarian ambassador to be accredited to Seychelles. (Patrick Joubert, Seychelles News Agency)

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(Seychelles News Agency) - Possibilities exist for cooperation to be developed in the field of sports between Seychelles and Hungary.

The newly accredited Hungarian Ambassador to Seychelles said this Tuesday morning, when speaking to journalists in the island nation’s capital of Victoria.

Ambassador László Eduárd Máthé was at State House to present his credentials to the Seychelles President James Michel.

“Sports diplomacy is something that connects people, regardless of their background, most people like to sit down and watch a game sometimes. Hungary has a lot of expertise in sports education, we are among the countries that constantly gained a lot of gold medals at the Olympics in various fields. We are very happy and ready to offer our traditions and our knowledge," Máthé told the media.

According to a press statement issued by State House Tuesday afternoon, discussions between the Seychellois Head of State and the Hungarian diplomat had also focussed on ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Capacity building in various areas as well as strengthening cooperation in the fields of medicine and education were highlighted.

"The Hungarian higher education system already hosted a number of students from the Seychelles who have successfully completed their studies and have come back and had become very valuable members of the Seychelles economy,” said Máthé.

According to the Seychelles Agency for National Resource Development (ANHRD) there are three Seychellois students currently pursuing their tertiary education in Hungary and their studies are fully-funded by the Seychelles government.

Two of them are pursuing a degree in General Medicine and one is pursuing a degree in Dentistry.

Seychelles and Hungary established diplomatic ties in November 1977.

László Eduárd Máthé who is the fourth Hungarian diplomat to be accredited to the Indian Ocean archipelago, is based in Nairobi, Kenya. 

- See more at: http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/4098#sthash.yQCmV326.dpuf

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Visa-free travel to Russia for all Seychelles passport holders as of December 14

Saint Basil's Cathedral located in the Red Square in Moscow, a popular tourist attraction pictured during summer. A visa waiver signed between Seychelles and Russia will allow Seychelles passport holders visa free entry for a maximum stay of 30 days once it comes into force in December. (Salifa Magnan, Seychelles News Agency)

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(Seychelles News Agency) - In four weeks’ time Seychellois nationals travelling to Russia will no longer need to apply for a visa, with the coming into force of a visa waiver agreement on December 14, 2015.

The agreement was signed in September this year, by the Seychelles Foreign Affairs and Transport Minister Joel Morgan and the Russian Ambassador to the Seychelles, Vladimir Belous.

In a press statement issued this morning, the Seychelles Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Transport describes the coming into effect of the agreement as “further testimony to the excellent relationship shared between Russia and Seychelles”

It is hoped that visa free travel for Seychellois nationals to Russia, for a short stay of up to 30 days, will lead to greater cultural and economic ties as well as greater people to people exchanges.

Currently, Seychelles citizens need to apply for a visa at the Russian Embassy in Seychelles; depending on the purpose of the visit, the procedures can take up to two or three days.

Seychelles and Russia have enjoyed diplomatic relations since the Indian Ocean archipelago gained its independence in 1976.

Bilateral cooperation between the two sides exists in the military field as well as in education where a number of Seychellois have studied and are still being sent to pursue further education opportunities in Russia

Tourism is another area of cooperation; although exact figures on the number of Seychellois nationals travelling to Russia is not known; Seychelles having a visa-free entry for tourists welcomes many Russian visitors to its shores each year.

According to figures available on the National Bureau of Statistics website (NBS) a total of 10, 361 Russian tourists have disembarked in the Indian Ocean archipelago of 115 island from January up to November 8, 2015.

Once it enters into force, the visa waiver will make Russia the 129th country to allow Seychellois nationals access to their territory without requiring a visa or to be granted a visa upon arrival or enter visa-free for a specific time period.

Palau, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates are some of the countries that have also signed such an agreement with the island nation in recent months.

- See more at: http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/4092#sthash.l66qhGfq.dpuf

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Fourth Hungarian Ambassador to Seychelles Accredited

Fourth Hungarian Ambassador to Seychelles Accredited

Tue, 17 November 2015

The fourth Ambassador of Hungary to Seychelles, H.E. László Eduárd Máthé, presented his credentials to President James Michel at State House today. He was accompanied by the Seychelles Honorary Consul based in Hungary, Mr. Laszlo Kiss.

President Michel congratulated him and together they spoke about how they can enhance bilateral cooperation between Seychelles and Hungary in the fields of education, as well as medicine, sports and capacity building in various areas.

Ambassador Máthé told the national media that he intends to further the cooperation between the two countries particularly in the education sector. He also noted the possibilities for exchanges in sports.

"The Hungarian higher education system already hosted a number of students from the Seychelles who have successfully completed their studies and have come back and had become very valuable members of the Seychelles economy....Sports diplomacy is something that connects people, regardless of their background, most people like to sit down and watch a game sometimes. Hungary has a lot of expertise in sports education, we are among the countries that constantly gained a lot of gold medals at the Olympics in various fields. We are very happy and ready to offer our traditions and our knowledge," said Ambassador Máthé.

Ambassador László Eduárd Máthé is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Also present during the meeting were the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Transport, Mr. Joel Morgan and the President's Diplomatic Adviser, Ambassador Callixte D'Offay.

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Selebrasyon tradisyonel pour bann dimoun trwazyenm az

Selebrasyon tradisyonel pour bann dimoun trwazyenm az

Mon, 16 November 2015

Prezidan James Michel in apre midi akeir Prezidan France Albert René kot en resepsyon tradisyonel an loner dimoun trwazyem az e osi a lokazyon 80yenm laniverser Ansyen Prezidan, dan zarden State House. Osi prezan ti en gran nonm dimoun trwazyenm az sorti tou bann distrik Sesel e osi kot kouvan Sainte Elizabeth.

Sa resepsyon ti osi ganny asiste par Viz Presidan Danny Faure, fanmiy Myse René e lezot envite distinge.

Prezidan Michel in dekrir sa levennman anyel koman en selebrasyon rekonesans pour bann dimoun aze pour travay ki zot in fer dan devlopman pei e pou osi selebre ansanm laniverser Ansyen Prezidan Rene.

"Lepep Seselwa atraver mwan menm i remersye ou pour ta sa ki oun fer, pour tou sa travay ki oun fer pou anmenn nou pei kot i ete ozordi e pour ou travay pour lepanouisman lepep Seselwa. Nou dir ou mersi. Ozordi letan ou pe selebre ou 80yenm laniverser, nou osi nou selebre sa lokazyon avek ou. Lepep Seselwa i selebre sa lokazyon avek ou e i remersye ou pour donn ou lavi politik pour fer dibyen pour Sesel e Seselwa, nou dir ou mersi," Prezidan Michel ti dir dan son ladres.

Prezidan ti remersye tou bann dimoun trwazyem az pour soutyen ki zot in donn li pour li kapab desarz son responsabilite.

"Mon oule remersye osi tou nou bann dimoun aze, akoz se atraver zot ansanm ek Prezidan Rene k'in travay pour devlopman nou pei; travay pour asire ki nou lazenes e ki zenerasyon fitir i kontinnyen ganny en meyer lavi, i kontinnyen ganny bann loportinite e kontinnyen viv dan en pei kot i annan stabilite, lanmour, lape e larmoni."

Prezidan Michel in profit sa lokazyon pou demann bann dimoun aze pou pas sa lasazes e leksperyans avek bann dimoun ki pli zenn pour ki zot kapab konpran bann bon valer koman lape, larmoni, stabilite e lafwa.

Lo son kote, Ansyen Prezidan René in remersye tou bann k'in travay ansanm avek li pou ede ki lazenes i grandir e ganny tou loportinite posib a zot dispozisyon. En keksoz enportan ki i ti dir I atas bokou avek lavenir.  I ti osi remersye gouvernman pour tou sa ki zot in fer e ki i ankor pe fer.

Pandan sa resepsyon de dwayen; Madanm Nancy Marie e Msye Mark Hoareau ti ganny rekonnet koman bann dwayen Sesel lefet ki zot bann dimoun pli aze dan pei.

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VISA Free Travel to Russian federation for Seychelles citizens comes into force on December 14

VISA Free Travel to Russian federation for Seychelles citizens comes into force on December 14

16.11.2015

Following the signing of the document made at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Transport between the Republic of Seychelles and the Russian Federation we would like to announce that VISA free travel to the Russian Federation for Seychellois citizens will come into force as of the 14th of December 2015.

This is further testimony to the excellent relationship shared between Russia and Seychelles which will not only spur greater cultural and economic ties but will allow for greater people to people exchanges.

This Visa waiver program also highlights the spirit of reciprocity and mutual respect between the two countries.

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Le Président Michel condamne et exprime son indignation à la suite des attaques terroristes en France

Le Président Michel condamne et exprime son indignation à la suite des attaques terroristes en France

Sat, 14 November 2015

Le Président James Michel a adressé ce samedi un message de condoléances et de solidarité au Président français, François Hollande, suite à la série d'attentats terroristes qui ont frappé des établissements à Paris. Des attaques sans précédent en France qui ont fait plusieurs dizaines de morts et de nombreux blessés dont certains dans des conditions très graves.

Le Président Michel affirme avoir appris la nouvelle avec «une profonde émotion et une grande indignation.»

« En cette douloureuse circonstance je voudrais, au nom du peuple seychellois, de son gouvernement ainsi qu'en mon nom personnel, exprimer au peuple ami de France et à votre Excellence, notre profonde compassion, nos sincères condoléances et notre totale solidarité », écrit-il.

Dans ce message le Président Michel exprime aussi la ferme condamnation des Seychelles de ces actes barbares, et s'associe à la douleur du peuple ami de France.

« C'est le lieu de vous dire que les Seychelles condamnent avec la dernière énergie ces actes criminels et abjects  qui, au delà de la France, visent les valeurs universelles d'humanisme et de tolérance auxquelles tous les peuples épris de paix adhèrent, et resteront toujours debout auprès du peuple français dans la douleur comme dans la joie », peut-on aussi lire dans le message dans lequel le Président Michel adresse ses prières aux victimes.

Le Président seychellois saisit cette occasion pour exprimer sa disponibilité à œuvrer avec le Président Hollande « en vue de lutter efficacement contre le terrorisme ainsi que toutes les formes de violence qui menacent la paix et la sécurité dans le monde. »

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President Michel congratulates Jules Hoareau on appiontment as chairperson of SADC-CNGO

President Michel congratulates Jules Hoareau on appiontment as chairperson of SADC-CNGO

Thu, 12 November 2015

President James Michel has expressed his heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Jules Hoareau, the chairman of the Citizens' Engagement Platform Seychelles (CEPS) for his appointment as chairperson of the Council of Non-Governmental Organisations of the Southern African Development Community (SADC-CNGO), as Seychelles takes over Presidency of SADC-CNGO.

“Your appointment as chair of SADC-CNGO is a well-deserved recognition of your professional integrity and your commitment to public service. We are immensely proud of your achievement, a singular honour that we all share whole-heartedly,” said the President in a letter to Mr. Hoareau.

The President wished Mr. Hoareau much success in the tasks that lie ahead, and also expressed his full support and that of the Government of Seychelles.

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President Michel expresses deepest sympathies following the demise of "remarkable statesman," former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt

President Michel expresses deepest sympathies following the demise of "remarkable statesman," former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt

Wed, 11 November 2015

President James Michel has expressed his profound sadness and deepest sympathies to the family and friends as well as to the people and government of the Federal Republic of Germany following the demise of the former Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Mr Helmut Schmidt.

In a message addressed to the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Joachim Gauk, President Michel remarked “In Mr. Schmidt the world has lost a remarkable statesman and a key architect of the european project, who possessed great political courage and who worked tirelessly to ensure lasting peace on the european continent through cooperation and deeper integration of its member states.”

President Michel further added that the memory of his brilliant political leadership, accomplishments and humility will remain a lasting legacy to his family, friends, the Government and people of Germany as well as to the world.

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President Michel meets with high level delegates of African Prosperity Conference

President Michel meets with high level delegates of African Prosperity Conference

Tue, 10 November 2015

President James Michel met with three high level delegates of the African Prosperity Conference, at State House this afternoon. The conference is being held at Eden Bleu Hotel on Eden Island and was organised by the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PACCI) in partnership with the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI). Present at the meetings were the Chairman of the SCCI, Mr. Marco Francis and the President’s Diplomatic Adviser, Ambassador Callixte D’Offay.

CEO and President of PTA Bank

The President met with the CEO and President of PTA Bank, Mr. Admasu Tadesse. PTA Bank is the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank which has been active in Seychelles for almost a decade, through the financing of large projects such as Eden Island.

They discussed the collaboration of African businesses for the benefits of its peoples.  Mr. Tadesse also briefed the President about the positive developments in the bank’s partnerships with the Seychelles Pension Fund and the Development Bank of Seychelles, including the credit facilities that it has made available for Seychellois businesses through DBS. They agreed that it is important for Africa to find a way to use its wealth and to generate it in a sustainable way.

Chairman of BADEA and MD of Saudi Fund

The President Met with the Chairman of BADEA’s Board of Directors and Managing Director of the Saudi Fund, Eng. Yousef Ibrahim Al Bassam. The President thanked BADEA and the Saudi Fund for their continued support of various development projects in Seychelles, such as housing infrastructure for Ile Perseverance, the Maritime Training Centre, and the Seychelles Tourism Academy.

Mr. Al Bassam commended Seychelles on its planning strategy and for being a committed partner in development.

They discussed future projects in the energy sector, infrastructure for the development of SMES and micro-finance projects.

Director of Trade and Industry of the AUC

The President met with the Director of Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission, Mrs. Treasure Maphanga. They discussed the work of the African Union Commission to encourage the private sector to push for greater African economic integration, and the setting up of an African Business Council.

Mrs. Maphanga commended Seychelles for its leadership in promoting the Blue Economy agenda of the African Union. They agreed that the diversification of African economies lies in the sustainable use of all the continent’s ocean resources. This is an important component of Agenda 2063, alongside tourism, maritime and air connectivity and renewable energy.

Editor’s Note;

For photos of the meetings see here: https://www.facebook.com/StateHouseSey/posts/927420957325856

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President Michel meets with Polish Special Envoy

President Michel meets with Polish Special Envoy

Tue, 10 November 2015

President James Michel met with the Ambassador Anna Grupinska at State House this morning. Ambassador Grupinska is the presidential special envoy for the campaign for the non-permanent membership of Poland to the UN Security Council for the period of 2018-2019.

They spoke about Poland’s bid, the need to reform the UN Security Council, the cause of Small Island Developing States, the threat of climate change, and the possibilities for increased tourism, trade and commerce between Seychelles and Poland.

Ambassador Grupinska was previously the non-resident Ambassador of Poland to Seychelles between February 2011 and May 2012.

Also present during the meeting were the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Transport, Joel Morgan, the President's Diplomatic Adviser, Ambassador Callixte d'Offay and the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Maurice Loustau-Lalanne.

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