Japan confirms commitment to deliver new HQ for Marine Police

Marine Police HQ on schedule

SEYCHELLES: The construction of the new Marine Police Headquarters at Île Perseverance is on schedule to be completed in June 2026, in time for Seychelles’ 50th Independence anniversary.

The President of the Republic, Dr Patrick Herminie, yesterday welcomed the Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, Oue Sadamasa, at State House, where Japan confirmed that construction was on schedule. The completion of the Marine Police Headquarters is aimed at substantially strengthening Seychelles’ operational readiness to address maritime crime. The project was highlighted as a flagship initiative, underscoring Japan’s steadfast support to Seychelles in safeguarding its vast maritime domain.

During the bilateral meeting, discussions centred on strengthening Seychelles–Japan relations, with particular emphasis on maritime security, capacity building, and emerging areas of cooperation.

President Herminie noted that, as a small island developing state with an extensive Exclusive Economic Zone, Seychelles faces inherent constraints in effectively patrolling and securing its waters. He highlighted the critical importance of partnerships with trusted allies such as Japan in strengthening maritime domain awareness, enhancing enforcement capacity for the coast guard, and combating piracy and transnational maritime threats.

Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to addressing a broad spectrum of maritime security challenges, in the Indian Ocean, including illegal fishing, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and piracy.

Looking ahead, Seychelles conveyed its interest in further capacity building, particularly in maritime patrol operations and in the operation and maintenance of the advanced systems and equipment associated with the new facility.

The two sides also explored expanded cooperation in key sectors such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, education, and health, areas where Japan’s expertise can contribute meaningfully to Seychelles’ development priorities.

As Seychelles and Japan commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening ties not only through development cooperation and institutional support, but also through strengthened people-to-people exchanges, recognised as a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship.

During his visit, Sadamasa toured the Regional Coordination Operations Centre, where he observed first-hand the impact of Japan’s support and commended the collaborative efforts undertaken with international partners. He reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to continuing its close cooperation with Seychelles.

PHOTO: Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, Oue Sadamasa with President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie.

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