The new ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Talaat Mahmoud, presented his credentials to President James A Michel at State House this morning in a ceremony attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Jean-Paul Adam and by the President’s Diplomatic Adviser, Ambassador Callixte d’Offay.

An important issue raised during the talks this morning concerns the three Seychellois who are facing the death penalty in Egypt after being convicted of drug trafficking and losing their appeal. President Michel reiterated to Ambassador Talaat his appeal to President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi for clemency leading to the commutation of their sentence. Ambassador Talaat remarked that President Michel and his Government “have spared no effort in that matter, even sending a Special Envoy to Egypt where he met with the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs yesterday”. The Ambassador added that he would also convey President Michel’s message to President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

Speaking to the national media after the accreditation ceremony in the presence of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jean-Paul Adam, Ambassador Talaat said that he had very fruitful discussions with President Michel on bilateral relations and further collaboration between Seychelles and Egypt. “We should do more in the field of trade, using what we have now, which is COMESA,” noted the new Egyptian ambassador. He added that there are a number of agreements that could be initiated, Egypt being in a position to provide Seychelles with experts in various fields, especially in the health sector.

The two countries are keen to seek ways and means of enhancing their bilateral relations that exist as well as developing new partnerships in such areas as trade, investment, health, agriculture and military operations, among others.

Ambassador Mahmoud Ali Talaat Mahmoud is based in Nairobi.