New York, 21 September 2017 - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres thanked Seychelles on Thursday for upholding UN values, especially as reflected in this year’s theme of the UN General Assembly’s (UNGA’s) annual General Debate.

He was speaking at a meeting with President Danny Faure who a few hours earlier had addressed the UNGA.

The theme of this year’s General Debate, an annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations in New York, is “Focusing on people: striving for peace and a decent life for all on a sustainable planet”. Close to 130 heads of state and government are attending this year’s meeting.

Mr Guterres, who visited Seychelles 19 years ago when he was Prime Minister of Portugal, said the islands, an example of social cohesion and environmental sustainability, had for many years been one of the top three socio-economic performers in Africa.

President Faure assured the Secretary-General that Seychelles would continue, with the UN’s support to “live” the values of the United Nations and walk the talk on its path towards a sustainable future.

The two men also exchanged views on the work the United Nations is doing to further engage with the African Union and African institutions.