The new Serbian Ambassador to the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Mr. Dragan Mraović, presented his credentials to President James Michel in a ceremony held at State House today.

President Michel congratulated the new Ambassador and said that the Government of Seychelles is looking forward to promote greater cooperation with Serbia.

The President and Ambassador discussed how Seychelles and Serbia could consolidate their cooperation in the fields of tourism, education, health as well as international peace and security.

During their meeting, Ambassador Mraović, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Serbia, H.E Mr. Tomislav Nikolić, bestowed a decree to honour with one of the highest decorations, the Order of the Republic of Serbia on a Sash, on President James Michel for his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Seychelles.

“Your Excellency, I thank your Government for this award which is testimony to the long-standing ties of friendship and cooperation between our two nations. I accept it with much pleasure and dedicate it to the people of Seychelles,” said President Michel.

After the accreditation ceremony, the Ambassador told the national media that during his mandate he intends to develop economic and educational cooperation between the two countries.

"Economic relations are a priority… I will do my best to increase relations. Business people should visit each country… Air Serbia joined the Etihad partnership… and we are looking at more possibilities to bring tourists to Seychelles, not only Serbian but from the whole of Europe. We are helping Seychelles in the educational sector, with many Seychellois that have graduated in the former Yugoslavia and Serbia. Now my country is having four Seychellois students studying [at university]. We will have also one new scholarship to offer,” said Ambassador Dragan Mraović.

Ambassador Dragan Mraović is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Also, present during the meeting were the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Transport, Joel Morgan, the President's Diplomatic Adviser, Ambassador Callixte d'Offay, and the Honorary Consul for Serbia to Seychelles, Dr. Miodrag Todorović.