The new ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Mr. Franciscus Makken, presented his credentials to President James Michel today at State House.

President Michel and Ambassador Makken discussed several fields of cooperation that exist between the Seychelles and the Netherlands, such as in maritime security, especially in the fight against piracy. The President and Ambassador Makken shared views on their common interests for both countries and agreed to henceforth to build on the excellent relations between them.

They  also talked about various other areas of coopreation, where they hope that collaboration will continue to grow in the coming years such as in aquaculture and tourism among others.

Ambassador Makken told the national media after the meeting that in relation to the piracy issue, the Netherlands has also supported Seychelles for building of an extra wing at the Palais des Justice and assisting in the management of the Montagne Posee Prison.

Ambassador Franciscus Makken is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Also present during the meeting were the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Transport, Mr. Joel Morgan and the President's Diplomatic Adviser, Ambassador Callixte D'Offay, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, Netherlands delegate, Colonel Willem Verweij and Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Seychelles, Mr. Albert Geers.