November 15, 2010 -- President James Michel returned this morning from a two-day working visit to the United Arab Emirates.

During his visit to Abu Dhabi, the President met with Sheikh General Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the U.A.E Armed Forces, to discuss bilateral military cooperation in the fight against piracy.

"The U.A.E. has reaffirmed its support to Seychelles in the fight against piracy as this scourge is affecting the entire region, from ports of the U.A.E, to the port of Victoria. By forming regional partnerships, we will be more effective in combating this problem," said President Michel following the visit.

In July this year the U.A.E pledged two patrol boats and three fast patrol boats as well as one helicopter to the Seychelles Coast Guard. The U.A.E also signed an agreement with the Government of Seychelles to fund the construction of a new Seychelles Coast Guard base on Ile Perseverance, in a project worth 15 million US dollars.

Last week, the Chief of the Seychelles People's Defense Forces , Brigadier Leopold Payet, and the Deputy Commander of the Seychelles Coast Guard, Major George Adeline, undertook an inspection visit of the maritime patrol vessels in the U.A.E.

During his visit, President Michel received confirmation that the vessels will be delivered early next year. The construction of the Coast Guard base has started and will be equipped with a coastal radar system, and radio communications equipment, which will be backed up by radars positioned over several islands.

The President also attended the final leg of the F 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit.  The Formula One sporting event was also attended by HM King Juan Carlos of Spain, Prince of Monaco HSH Prince Albert II, Crown Prince of Bahrain HH Prince Salman bin Hamad, Prime Minister of Swaziland HE Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini, Prime Minister of Lebanon HE Saad Al Hariri,  former French Prime Minister HE Jean-Pierre Raffarin, and a number of members of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, senior officials, diplomats and dignitaries.