December 6, 2010 -- President James Michel has sent messages of congratulation to the leaders of President Dmitry Medvedev of Russia and Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani of Qatar whose countries won the bids for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA football world cup, respectively.

In his message to the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev and the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, President Michel says:

"We have witnessed sport's ability to strengthen unity, promote peace, build stability, uphold unity and encourage development. (Your country's) success in winning the bid is a great triumph and Seychelles is so proud of that.

"We equally rejoice in your country's being chosen as football is a worldwide passion that has reached all corners of the world and it helps to bring people closer together."

Noting that Seychelles and these two countries enjoy excellent and friendly relations based on mutual trust, understanding and cooperation, President Michel says:

"These are well set to grow further and it will be my endeavour to lend greater strength and substance to it in the years ahead, and I look forward to working with you to that end.

"Once again, I wish to extend my sincere congratulations on your victory."

Russia and Qatar have been chosen to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals respectively after a secret ballot of Fifa's 22 executive members on Thursday in Zurich.

Russia was selected ahead of co-bidders Spain-Portugal and Holland-Belgium and England.

Qatar defeated bids from South Korea, Japan, Australia and the United States.