President Danny Faure received the Board of Directors of Al Salam Bank Bahrain, including the Chairperson, her Highness Shaikha Hessa Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, at State House this morning.

The Board of Al Salam Bank Bahrain is made up of representatives from various countries in the Middle East, including Bahrain, the UAE, Oman, and Libya. The delegation are in Seychelles for their first board meeting here at the newly opened Al Salam Bank Seychelles, an Islamic bank based at Maison Esplanade in Victoria. The bank will be officially opened early next year.

The President welcomed Her Highness and the delegation to State House, and highlighted the excellent relations that exist between Seychelles and Bahrain as well as other countries in the Middle East.

"The opening of the Al Salam bank in Seychelles marks a new chapter in our financial sector. The decision for you to have a branch here is welcomed by our government. Seychelles is very pleased with the investment and support from the Kingdom of Bahrain and other countries in the Middle East," said President Faure.

During the meeting, the Head of State and Her Highness discussed the products and services that the bank will be offering. She expressed the interest for the bank to nurture the needs of Seychellois and play a key role in investing in important sectors such as housing, amongst others.

After the meeting, President Faure witnessed the donation of a SCR 500,000 cheque to the Seychelles Children's Fund, presented to the Secretary of State for Presidential Affairs, Mrs Aude Labaleine. The President expressed his sincere gratitude for the donation.

Speaking to the media, Her Highness said that the opening of Al Salam Bank Seychelles, with Seychelles Pension Fund as a 30% shareholder, represents the strategic partnership that exists between Bahrain and Seychelles. She expressed her hope that the bank will bring more economic development to Seychelles. When it comes to customer service, Her Highness said that Al Salam Bank is unparalleled, offering the latest technology and competitive loan rates.

"It is very important for Al Salam Bank that as we contribute to the economy, we also serve the community. We have chosen to donate to the Children's Fund because we see that the government gives great importance to the young people of the country. This donation will help in the development of the youth, and it is important for the bank to be recognised as giving back to the local community," said her Highness Shaikha Hessa Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa.

Also present at the meeting was the Secretary of State for Presidential Affairs, Mrs Aude Labaleine, and Chief Executive Officer of Pension Fund, Mrs Lekha Nair.