January 24, 2011 -- Seychelles, whose military successfully rescued Seychellois fishermen from Somali pirates last year, has welcomed the news that South Korean armed forces have done the same.

President James Michel has sent a message of congratulations to President Lee Myung-bak of South Korea following the intervention of the South Korean navy on 21st January in rescuing a Korean-owned cargo ship hijacked by Somali pirates.

"The brave an intrepid action of South Korean forces in this instance has illustrated the determination of your country and people not to tolerate criminal acts on the high seas. It is only with such courage and determination of your country and people that we will truly be able to tackle the threat of piracy in the long term," said President Michel in his message to his South Korean counterpart.

The Seychellois Head of State added that "Seychelles, being a small nation with limited capacities, very much needs the assistance of all its international partners if we are to strengthen our cooperation to counter the scourge of piracy".