German envoy seeks improved relations

German Ambassador Braun (right) with President Rene at State House

The newly accredited German Ambassador, His Excellency Mr Bernd Braun, has described Germano-Seychelles relations as good, but with room to improve.

"Over the years our relationship has not always been too good because of political differences, but I think that in the last ten years it has improved tremendously and I am here to help it improve further," said the newly appointed Ambassador.

H.E. Mr Braun was speaking to journalists Tuesday April 6 in the morning after presenting his credentials to President France Albert Rene at State House.

Mr Braun said that he and the President had discussed recent political developments in Germany, past German involvement in Seychelles and plans for future cooperation.

"Cooperation in the wider sense is in (the field of the) environment, but there are also many German tourists here and they are increasing after a drop. We hope that this is will continue to increase so that people come here and it helps the economy," he said.

Questioned about the limited exchange between Seychelles and Germany over recent years Ambassador Braun said that his government is waiting for the implementation of an IMF (International Monetary Fund) programme in Seychelles, adding, "I think when this is on track we will see further improvement."

Principal secretary at the Ministry of Economic Planning, Ahmed Afif confirmed that the government is still in negotiation with the IMF to agree on an acceptable package, but also reiterated his support for the Macro-Economic Reform Programme.

The accreditation of H.E. Mr Braun comes at a time when the East African region is in the public spotlight in Germany following a recent tour of the area by German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.

Diplomatic relations between Seychelles and Germany were established in 1977 and Ambassador Braun is the ninth German Ambassador to Seychelles, replacing H.E. Jürgen Weerth, who served from 1999 to 2003.

Also accredited to Kenya and Burundi, Ambassador Braun said that he hoped to make three to four trips to Seychelles per year.

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