Seychelles President James Michel received President Mahinda Rajapaksa of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka at State House this morning. The 2 leaders discussed state affairs in a tete-a-tete meeting before joining a bilateral meeting, which was also attended by Vp Danny Faure, Ministers, and other high officials from the Sri Lankan delegation.
The discussions centered on cooperation projects and agreements between Seychelles and Sri Lanka on matters of trade and investment, air links, cooperation inside the banking sector, fisheries, maritime, defense, education, health, tourism, energy, legal affairs, piracy, and small industries development.
President Michel noted the significance for Seychelles and Sri Lanka to implement the blue economy concept and unlock the real potential of the Indian Ocean.
“Your Excellency, it’s with immense pleasure that I welcome you and your delegation to Seychelles. Your visit here in Seychelles is a landmark of friendship and robust collaboration developing within our two countries. We now have made remarkable progress in our bilateral cooperation in lots of areas corresponding to in education and coaching, defense, trade, fisheries, health, judiciary, and renewable energy. Your visit will undoubtedly consolidate our relationships and progress achieved. There isn’t any better method to celebrate the anniversary of the 25 years of multinational of diplomatic relations between our two Indian Ocean states,” said President Michel in his remarks.
During the meeting, President Rajapaska confirmed that SriLankan Airlines are keen to begin flights to Seychelles this year and that the main points of those new air links may be further discussed within the near future.
President James Michel welcomed the call, adding that the air links would boost trade and tourism between Sri Lanka and Seychelles.
“The new flights would certainly open doorways for business, tourism, cooperation, and trade exchanges between Seychelles and Sri Lanka. Seychelles can become a gateway to Africa and other parts of the sector. The air links could be a catalyst to make sure increased cooperation between our two countries,” said President Michel.
President Rajapaksa thanked President Michel for the nice and cozy welcome and hospitality extended to his delegation, adding: “Is it a very good pleasure and honor to be here in Seychelles. Your visit to Sri Lanka in August 2012 was a landmark event in our relationships. We are hoping for stronger cooperation and avenues for brand spanking new relations in other fields in addition,” remarked President Rajapaksa.
President Michel has conveyed his gratitude to President Rajapaksa for the contribution Sri Lanka is making within the Seychelles’ sphere of development. He thanked President Rajapaksa for his country’s sincerity and true friendship, adding that this state visit will give more impetus to the 2 countries’ relations.
“Islands have a critical role to play in reforming and developing the world’s multilateral architecture to be able to build a fairer global order where all voices are heard and might take pleasure in this. Islands are barometers for development and are today demonstrating global leadership in addressing sustainable development challenges and are inspiring other countries around the globe to do an identical. We’re one of the most high-risk areas, which might be prone to suffer disproportionately from the negative impacts of climate change. Sri Lanka and Seychelles must work closely together to make voices of the unheard heard. We are able to influence the shaping of the island countries and be an example to the arena,” said President Michel.
Following their meeting, both leaders witnessed the signing of 3 cooperation agreements between the federal government of Seychelles and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
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