Seychelles and the Republic of Philippines will strengthen technical ties, already one of the main areas of cooperation between the two countries, according to the newly accredited Fillipino ambassador, H.E. Ms Rosalinda Valenton-Tirona.

Speaking to the press on Tuesday September 23,  after presenting her credentials to President France Albert René in his office at State House, Ms Valenton-Tirona said that she and the President discussed various areas in which cooperation between her country and Seychelles could receive a further boost.

Ms Valenton-Tirona said that she would concentrate her efforts towards helping Seychelles develop its pharmaceutical and coconut industries.

"Since Seychelles has a variety of plants with medicinal values, the Philippines hopes to bring its expertise here to develop the pharmaceutical industry," she said.  "Such can also be done in the coconut industry. This would encourage Seychelles to produce more local products rather than importing from the Philippines."

She also noted that "Seychelles has a very wide horizon to develop a strong economy and that Philippines is willing to share whatever it can to help Seychelles strengthen its economy."

With some 300 Fillipinos presently employed by the Indian Ocean Tuna (IOT) factory, ambassador Valenton-Tirona described the relationship that already exists between the two countries as "traditionally friendly".

Ms Valenton-Tirona also said that she was satisfied with the working environment at IOT following a visit there, but noted that more should be done to meet the working principles set by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

Seychelles and the Philippines established diplomatic relations in October 1987.  Ms Valenton-Tirona is the fourth ambassador to be accredited to Seychelles.

She replaces Mr Rolando M. Libas, who served as ambassador from 1999 to 2001.

The Fillipino ambassador will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

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