Australia is seeking to strengthen its cooperation with Seychelles and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), the Australian parliamentary secretary for Pacific Islands Affairs, Mr Richard Marles, said yesterday after meeting President James Michel at State House. 

Mr Marles' two-day visit is a follow-up to discussions President Michel and his delegation had during his recent official visit to Australia and his participation in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth.

Seychelles' taking over of the presidency of the IOC this year is a real opportunity for Australia to increase cooperation with the regional body, said Mr Marles.

"It is an opportunity to work more closely with Seychelles and other small island states in the Indian Ocean," he said.

Australia, being an Indian Ocean country, also has significant experience working with small island states in the Pacific Ocean.