The resident Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. Sakuta Makoto, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr. Barry Faure, on Monday, 1 December 2025, at Maison Quéau de Quinssy.
During their meeting, Ambassador Makoto provided Minister Faure with an overview of ongoing and upcoming projects between Japan and Seychelles, as well as broader regional cooperation. Among the key initiatives highlighted was the construction of the Maritime Police Headquarters, scheduled for completion in June 2026.
He also outlined Japan’s continued support to the UNODC in strengthening capacity to combat piracy and maritime crime in the region, alongside assistance to the FAO aimed at improving the collection and recycling of discarded fishing gear.
The two diplomats also discussed progress toward implementing a visa-waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and official passports, with the possibility of extending the arrangement to ordinary passport holders in the future—an important step toward enhancing people-to-people exchanges.
Minister Faure thanked the Government of Japan for its support to regional programmes under the UNODC and FAO and reaffirmed Seychelles’ commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of culture, tourism, and fisheries.
To note, Seychelles and Japan will be celebrating 50 years of bilateral relations in 2026.