President James Michel is travelling to Japan this weekend to attend the 5th Tokyo International Conference on African Development in Yokohama. The President is accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jean-Paul Adam, and the Seychelles non-resident Ambassador to Japan, Philippe Le Gall.

The conference commemorates the 20th anniversary of the TICAD process under the theme “Hand in Hand with a More Dynamic Africa,” as well as celebrating the 50th anniversary of OAU/AU.  The conference will address topics such as the creation of robust and sustainable economies, inclusive and resilient societies as well as peace and stability.

During his visit to Japan, President Michel is expected to meet with Prime Minister of Japan Mr. Shinzo Abe, to discuss bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Editor’s Note

·         President James Michel paid an official visit to Japan in April 2009 as well as attending TICAD IV  in May 2008.

·         TICAD is a summit meeting on African development co-organized by the Government of Japan, UN, World Bank, UNDP and the AU Commission. For more information see http://www.ticad.net/ticadv/index.html  and http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/africa/ticad/what.html