March,11,2013--Mr. Pietro Tidei, Honourable Member of Parliament and Town Mayor of Civitavecchia, Italy paid a courtesy call on President James Michel this afternoon at State House. Mr. Tidei and his delegation are in Seychelles to discuss ways to improve the continuous relationship Seychelles has with Civitavecchia, Italy.

The President and the Mayor discussed areas in which the comune Civitavecchia town and Seychelles can further reinforce their cooperation and increase exchanges in different areas cultural, social or political.

Mr. Tidei mentioned that every year a large group of Seychellois visit Italy and likewise many Italian visit the Seychelles. In order to broaden the cooperation that exist between the two countries in the Tourism sector and in view that both receive a lot of cruise ships from different parts of the world, the comune Civitavecchia town and Victoria City will soon embark on a Twinning Programme. 

President Michel expressed his gratitude and thanked for the continuous support that Italy has given to the Seychelles especially towards the youth through the Jj Spirit Foundation.

To note, there are 350 members in comune Civitavecchia town that is affiliated with the Foundation and they are the main sponsor for the Foundation’s participation in the annual “Carnaval de Victoria” float.

The President has stated that the help has broadened the horizon for the youth of Seychelles and that he welcomes the amicable relationship Seychelles has with Civitavecchia and appreciates the exchange of activities.

Also present for the meeting, was the Secretary General of the Office of the President, Mrs. Lise Bastienne who is also the Chairman of the Jj Spirit Foundation, the Mayor of Victoria City, Mrs. Jacqueline Moustache-Belle and Seychelles Tourism Ambassador, Italy, Ms. Dorothy Furneau.

Editor’s Note:

• Civitavecchia is a town and comune of the province of Rome in the central Italian region of Lazio. A sea port on the Tyrrhenian Sea, it is located 80 kilometres west-north-west of Rome. Civitavecchia is today a major cruise and ferry port, the main starting point for sea connection from central Italy to Sardinia, Sicily, Malta, Tunis and Barcelona. Fishing has a secondary importance.