South Africa and the Seychelles will this year mark the 25th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations.
At a meeting between International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Luwellyn Landers and the Secretary of State Ambassador Barry Faure in Pretoria, the two countries agreed to work together to commemorate this important anniversary as well as strengthen ties.
The meeting, according to a joint statement, reaffirmed the close friendship and common interests and values that are the foundation of the strong relationship between South Africa and Seychelles.
Deputy Minister Landers, hosted the Executive Head of the Seychelles Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Faure, for the second session of the Joint Commission of Cooperation (JCC) between South Africa and the Seychelles on Friday.
The two countries used the occasion to review bilateral political and economic relations, expressing satisfaction at the progress achieved in various areas of cooperation since the last session of the Joint Commission of Cooperation in 2014.
“Both parties expressed appreciation for the JCC which has provided an excellent platform for dialogue and cooperation since 2014. The parties demonstrated their commitment to increase cooperation,” read the statement.
They agreed to explore other areas of cooperation over the coming years in trade and investment; agriculture and fisheries; education and human resource development; environment and the blue economy; youth and sports; defence and police; tourism and culture; health; science and technology; maritime and air transport; higher education; and social development.
The parties further exchanged views on regional and continental developments as well as multilateral cooperation.
South Africa and Seychelles established formal relations in 1992. The relationship has been progressive, with a display of support for strategic tourism events hosted in each country and a shared vision for regional tourism development and integration. - SAnews.gov.za
