The new ambassador of the Czech Republic, H. E. Mr Karel Hejč, presented his credentials to President James Michel at State House this morning. Mr Hejč is Prague’s sixth ambassador to Seychelles.

The two countries are seeking ways to develop new and stronger relations in varied sectors of mutual interest, such as in education, air services and agriculture, among others.

After the accreditation ceremony Ambassador Hejč told the national media that Seychelles and the Czech Republic have very good relations since Seychelles gained its Independence.

He noted that during his discussions with the President they highlighted the many challenges that small countries have to face. There was a need to give more content to the Czech-Seychelles partnership in light of those global challenges, he said.

Ambassador Hejč commended the Government for making significant economic progress, which he has described as ‘impressive’, with political stability and an open market economy, which he said is important to attract foreign investors.

“We’re quite far apart, and as small countries we are more dependent on cooperation with our immediate neighbours, but that should not stop us into venturing in new fields were our two countries can and should cooperate… You now have your own university, of which I’m glad. Your university and our universities can cooperate and there are a number of programmes which can be ‘cross-managed’,” said the new Czech ambassador.

He added that the economic cooperation between the Czech Republic and the Republic of Seychelles, considering the size of the two countries, presented some excellent opportunities which, according to him, “exceed by far many other African countries which are much bigger and have much easier access than Seychelles”.

Also present at the accreditation ceremony were the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Barry Faure, the President's Diplomatic Adviser, Ambassador Callixte d'Offay.

Ambassador Karel Hejč is based in Addis Abba, Ethiopia.