Health and Security at the Heart of Discussions

From June 3 to 4, 2026, Seychelles and Japan will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

On this occasion, President Dr. Patrick Herminie called for strengthened cooperation between the two countries and the possible signing of new agreements. These announcements were made during a courtesy call with Sakuta Makoto, Japan’s Resident Ambassador to Seychelles.

Discussions focused on several key areas: maritime security, health, culture, and international cooperation. President Herminie indicated that he welcomed the invitation from Yonei Sasakawa of the Nippon Foundation to attend the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo and proposed transforming it into an official visit, thereby paving the way for new partnerships.

Maritime security was a central topic. The President welcomed the progress on the construction of the new maritime police headquarters in Perseverance, funded by a Japanese grant of 800 million yen (US$5,530,000). This facility, expected to be completed in June 2026, will strengthen the fight against crime and drug trafficking in the Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone.

In the health sector, Patrick Herminie expressed his gratitude for the Japanese assistance that enabled the purchase of essential medical equipment. Furthermore, the Head of State thanked Japan for its support of the Global Maritime Crime Programme and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, with over US$4 million invested in the past two years to enhance maritime security.