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 within 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, that is with immense pleasure that I welcome you and your delegation to Seychelles. Your visit here in Seychelles is a landmark of friendship and powerful collaboration developing within our two countries. We’ve got made remarkable progress in our bilateral cooperation in lots of areas inclusive of in education and coaching, defense, trade, fisheries, health, judiciary, and renewable energy. Your visit will undoubtedly consolidate our relationships and progress achieved. There’s no better approach to celebrate the anniversary of the 25 years of firm 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 might 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 will 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 realm. The air links should be a catalyst to make certain 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 an amazing 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 to boot,” 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 both countries’ relations.
“Islands have a critical role to play in reforming and developing the world’s multilateral architecture a good way to build a fairer global order where all voices are heard and will profit from 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 the similar. We’re among the many most high-risk areas, that are more likely to suffer disproportionately from the negative impacts of climate change. Sri Lanka and Seychelles deserve to work closely together to make voices of the unheard heard. We will influence the shaping of the island countries and be an example to the sector,” said President Michel.
Following their meeting, the 2 leaders witnessed the signing of 3 cooperation agreements between the govt. of Seychelles and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
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