Seychelles and Japan Celebrate Enduring Friendship at Emperor Naruhito’s 66th Birthday Reception
With bilateral ties entering a golden jubilee year in 2026, President Dr. Patrick Herminie on Tuesday evening attended a reception at Eden Bleu Hotel commemorating the 66th birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, reaffirming Seychelles’ commitment to a forward-looking partnership with Japan grounded in peace, cooperation and sustainable development.
The reception, hosted by the Resident Ambassador of Japan, Mr. Sakuta Makoto, highlighted the expanding cooperation and longstanding friendship between the two nations as they prepare to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations this year.
In his address, Ambassador Sakuta expressed gratitude for the presence of President Herminie and First Lady Mrs. Veronique Herminie, noting that their attendance was a testament to the enduring goodwill between the two countries. He congratulated President Herminie on his recent inauguration and reaffirmed Japan’s respect for Seychelles’ steady development under its stable democracy.
The Ambassador reflected on a year of meaningful bilateral engagement. He recalled the port call to Port Victoria by two vessels of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, which conducted joint exercises with the Seychelles Coast Guard, contributing to maritime security in the region. He also highlighted Japan’s support for the construction of the Maritime Police Headquarters building, a project expected to strengthen Seychelles’ capacity to safeguard its maritime domain and enhance security in the West Indian Ocean.
Cultural and educational exchanges featured prominently in his remarks. Ambassador Sakuta referenced the symposium commemorating the 100th anniversary of the passing of Japanese photographer Shinko Ohashi, whose early photographs of Seychelles remain treasured historical records. He further noted the growing people-to-people ties through student exchanges and Seychelles’ participation in Expo 2025 in Osaka, where educational and cultural collaboration was further advanced.
Delivering the toast on behalf of the government of Seychelles, Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr. Barry Faure, conveyed warm congratulations and best wishes to His Majesty Emperor Naruhito, Her Majesty Empress Masako and the people of Japan.
Minister Faure commended Japan’s remarkable national journey and global leadership in innovation, science and technology, as well as its principled advocacy for nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. He reaffirmed Seychelles’ support for Japan’s longstanding commitment to peace and multilateral cooperation, particularly at a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty.
He welcomed the continued strengthening of bilateral relations through frameworks such as the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD), as well as Seychelles’ participation in Expo 2025 Osaka. The Minister highlighted the Expo International Exchange Programme, which enabled ten Seychellois students to visit Japan, describing it as a meaningful investment in the next generation of leaders and a reinforcement of enduring people-to-people bonds.
Maritime security cooperation remains a cornerstone of the partnership, Minister Faure noted, expressing appreciation for Japan’s support in infrastructure development and anticipated assistance in enhancing Seychelles’ maritime capabilities.
The Minister also acknowledged Japan’s continued contribution to human resource development through MEXT and JICA scholarship and training programmes, which have provided Seychellois students and professionals with opportunities for advanced study and specialised training.
The evening ended with a toast to the continued good health of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito and Her Majesty Empress Masako, to the prosperity of the people of Japan, and to the lasting friendship between the Republic of Seychelles and Japan.
