On behalf of the government and people of Seychelles, President James Alix Michel has expressed his heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected President of the Maldives, Abdullah Yameen.

In his message President Michel stated that the election ushers in an opportunity for the Maldives to re-assert shared values of democracy and good governance, as well as an opportunity to bring renewed vigour to economic development for the benefit of the people of the Maldives.

President Michel expressed appreciation to former President Mohammed Waheed Hassan who recently stepped down, as well as to former President Mohammed Nasheed who also contested this second round of the election and has graciously conceded defeat in the spirit of participatory democracy.

This election offers a platform whereby the Maldives may enter a new era of stability characterised by strong economic performance, said the President.

President Michel also mentioned that both the Maldives and Seychelles face the challenges and opportunities as Small Island Developing States in the Indian Ocean, and that the Maldives can count on Seychelles’ support in addressing the imperative of sustainable development.

The President stated “ We are connected by our ocean, and we thus also look forward to continue working with the government of the Maldives under your leadership in enhancing the development of our oceans, as encapsulated in the concept of the 'Blue Economy.”