The new Cypriot Ambassador to Seychelles, H.E. Mr. Andreas Panayiotou,presented his credentials to President James Michel at State House this morning.

The two countries have strong historical links dating back to the mid-1950s when Archbishop Makarios, who later became the President of Cyprus, was exiled in Seychelles.

President Michel said that Seychelles values greatly its relationship with Cyprus and they agreed that the two countries would continue to support one another in bilateral and multilateral matters.

Ambassador Panayiotou told the national media after the ceremony said that his further talks with the Seychelles government will centre on the development of cooperation in air services, tourism promotion, investment, commerce, trade, the Blue Economy and the environment.

The Cypriot ambassador is based in Muscat, Oman.

Also present at the meeting were the President’s Diplomatic Adviser, Ambassador Callixte d’Offay, the Director General for Treaties and Consular Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Transport, Mr. Ralph Agrippine and the Honorary Consul for Cyprus to Seychelles, Mrs. Georgia Van Heyste.