TOKYO, JAPAN – June 4, 2026 — Her Excellency President Hilda C. Heine held a bilateral meeting with Hon. Wallace Cosgrow, Principal Minister and Minister for Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy of the Republic of Seychelles, on the margins of the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo.
During the meeting, President Heine highlighted the strong similarities between the Marshall Islands and Seychelles as Large Ocean States whose economies, livelihoods, and futures are closely tied to the sustainable management of their vast ocean resources. The two leaders exchanged views on advancing ocean-based economic development and strengthening resilience through sustainable fisheries and blue economy initiatives.
President Heine expressed interest in learning from Seychelles’ experience in developing its fisheries sector through public-private partnerships, particularly in areas such as port infrastructure, value-added fisheries development, and investment in domestic industries. She also discussed the Marshall Islands’ efforts to expand economic opportunities from its tuna resources and build greater domestic participation across the fisheries value chain.
President Heine welcomed opportunities for closer cooperation between the two island nations, including technical exchanges and knowledge-sharing on innovative approaches to ocean financing and sustainable economic development. Both sides also reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration among Small Island Developing States in advancing shared priorities on ocean governance, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
