Seychelles Taiwan fishing agreements remain commercial, according to Fisheries Minister Wallace Cosgrow. He made the statement following recent public discussion about Seychelles’ position on Taiwan.
The minister said Seychelles does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. As a result, the country does not have state-level agreements with Taiwan. However, he confirmed that agreements with Taiwanese companies continue.
“Seychelles we do not have an agreement with Taiwan because we do not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan,” Mr Cosgrow said. “However we have agreements with Taiwanese companies.”
He said these agreements are commercial in nature. They involve fishing activities in Seychelles waters. He added that the arrangements remain unchanged.
“At the moment our agreements are commercial agreements and it remains,” he said. “They are mainly agreements for longline boats, tuna long line vessels.”
The minister also said the government separates commercial activity from political considerations in this context. He confirmed that fishing operations by Taiwanese companies can continue under existing terms.
“And we will do commercial businesses, politics aside,” he said. “As long as they are ready to fish in Seychelles waters then we are ok.”
His remarks come amid wider discussion about Seychelles’ international position. However, he did not indicate any change to current policy.
The government has not announced any new agreements. Existing commercial arrangements with Taiwanese companies remain in place.