In view of the continued emphasis being placed by Seychelles on bolstering closer collaboration between small states, President Danny Faure held bilateral talks with the Maltese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion, Mr. Carmelo Abela.

In expressing his satisfaction at being in Malta and in conveying Seychelles’ interest to further cement ties of cooperation between the two countries, President Faure indicated that there is common ground and goals between both countries which have yielded fruitful results for the benefit of the people. He recalled the excellent exchange programme that Seychelles established with Malta in the field of education focusing on building the capacity of teachers.

During the consultations, the other avenues which could boost a structured cooperation framework of mutual benefit to both countries were explored. These new avenues include education, maritime security, tourism, financial services, waste management and renewable energy. Chiefly, the two sides agreed on the importance of furthering people-to-people dialogue and exchanges which could serve as the driver and gateway for even greater collaboration.

“Malta can be used as a model for a high income country like Seychelles to emulate in its quest of building greater prosperity for its people while remaining focussed on the importance of sustainable development,” remarked President Faure.

Minister Vella took the opportunity to express Malta’s willingness to share the expertise and experience it had gained in various fields with Seychelles. He indicated that the establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Small States, announced by Malta at the 2015 CHOGM, will become operational in 2018 and will provide concrete and targeted support to small states in their quest for development. Reference was also made to the Institute of Maritime Law, based in Malta, which continues to build the capacity of specialists in international maritime law.

Both President Faure and Minister Abela agreed that the mutual solidarity and understanding between both countries could be strengthened further within international fora, most notably at the United Nations and the Commonwealth. They agreed that through the signing of a political consultations framework and the establishment of a joint commission, both countries will be better placed to pursue the dialogue and implement these initiatives.

President Faure also met with the Principal Permanent Secretary and Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Mario Cutajar, to discuss the establishment of a collaboration framework for the sharing of experience and technical expertise between the two Cabinet Offices. This was initiated as part of Governments continued efforts to build a stronger and more efficient public service, developing stronger links between institutions and ensuring the implementation of the decisions taken by Cabinet.

President Faure was accompanied in these meetings by the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Michelle Murray.