Philippines ambassador pays courtesy call on Designated Minister Ferrari |18 March 2023

Seychelles Nation

The newly accredited ambassador for Philippines to the Republic of Seychelles, Marie Charlotte G. Tang, paid a courtesy call on the Designated Minister and Minister responsible for Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Jean-François Ferarri, on Tuesday March 14, 2023 in the afternoon after presenting her credentials to President Wavel Ramkalawan earlier in the morning at State House.

The meeting with Designated Minister Ferrari was held at the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Maison Collet, Level 2.

During the meeting, it was noted that Philippines and Seychelles have some similarities as they are both archipelagic states and are members of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC). These similarities present Philippines and Seychelles with the opportunity to cooperate and collaborate on different ventures, especially in the fisheries sector.

Both countries can benefit from the exchange of expertise and knowledge in product packaging and in value addition processing.

Moreover, Minister Ferrari emphasised the government’s commitment to responsible fishing practices, which includes the development of sustainable fisheries policies and initiatives that support the livelihoods of fishers and fishing communities.

The ambassador expressed her appreciation for the ministry’s efforts and conveyed her country’s interest in working with the government of Seychelles to promote sustainable fisheries practices in the region.

The two sides also discussed the challenges facing the global seafood industry and the need for greater cooperation among countries to combat these issues.

To conclude the meeting, both the minister and the ambassador reiterated their desire for the continued collaboration between the two countries moving forward.

Minister Ferrari wished the ambassador all the best during her tenure and hoped to work closely together over the next few years.

He also sympathised with Philippines on the recent oil spill and offered his support.

Minister Ferrari was accompanied by Maria Azemia, executive director of the Office of the Designated Minister, and Gabriella Gonthier, the International Cooperation Officer of the Department of Blue Economy.

The ambassador was accompanied by Rosita Parcou, the honorary consul, Sherlyn M. Roxas, the attaché, and James Carpine, the Third Secretary and Desk Officer for the Philippines at the Foreign Affairs department.

Press release from the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy