The Seychelles’ President, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan received the Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, yesterday morning at State House. Minister Shakhboot is the special guest at the Seychelles National Day celebration representing His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates and Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

It is the first official visit by a Minister of State of the UAE to the Seychelles under the new presidency of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

The President welcomed His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan to Seychelles for the National Day celebration. During their meeting, the Head of State and His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan reviewed the existing bilateral relations between the two countries. They further discussed how to enhance the strong partnership for the good of the two countries and their people.

On behalf of the country, President Ramkalawan conveyed his appreciation for the continuous support provided by the UAE government, during this challenging period.

“The bonds of friendship that exist between our two nations remain strong and it is based on mutual respect. May your visit here to Seychelles pave avenues for other bilateral cooperation that will further enhance our partnership,” said the President.

On his part, His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan conveyed the personal greetings and message on behalf of the Leader of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. He congratulated the Government of Seychelles on the occasion of its National Day and expressed how honoured he was to be here.  He reciprocates the interest of the UAE government to forge its relationship with Seychelles to new heights.

He was accompanied on this visit at the State House by the Chargé d’Affaires e.p. of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Seychelles, Mr. Ahmed Alneyadi, Director in the Minister’s Office, Mr. Abdulrahman AlHebsi, and First Secretary in the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Seychelles, Mr. Abdulla Alketbi.

Also present for the courtesy call yesterday morning were the Vice President, Mr. Ahmed Afif, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Vivianne Fock Tave,  the Director General of Bilateral Affairs Division, Department of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Lindy Ernesta, and Third Secretary and Desk Officer for the UAE, Mr. Jean-Luc Louise.

Following the courtesy visit, the delegation proceeded to Salon Maritime, State House for further bilateral talks led by Minister Sylvestre Radegonde.