The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. James Alix Michel, has warmly welcomed His Excellency Mr.  Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) to Seychelles at the Seychelles International Airport this afternoon.

Mr. Ban is in Seychelles for an official visit from 7th to 8th May.

“We are greatly honoured by the historic visit of Mr. Ban Ki-moon to Seychelles. This is the first visit of a serving United Nations Secretary General to our country, since we joined the Organisation in September 1976. It is therefore of great significance to all the people of Seychelles as we prepare to commemorate the 40th anniversary of our existence as a sovereign nation and also 40 years as a member of the UN. His visit to Seychelles is a powerful testimony to the strength of our friendship and cooperation with the UN and its agencies in the context of our political and socio-economic development,” said President Michel.

The Secretary-General’s programme includes a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Vallee de Mai on Praslin island, discussions with President Michel at State House, an address to an Extra Ordinary Session of the National Assembly, visits at the ‘Palais de Justice’ and the Seychelles Coast Guard as well as a special tree planting ceremony at the Botanical Gardens.

The arrival ceremony included a high level greeting party including the Vice President, Mr. Danny Faure, the Speaker of the National Assembly,  the Chief Justice, Ministers, the Chief of Defence Forces, among other dignitaries. Representatives of the United Nations were also present to welcome the delegation.

Mr. Ban Ki-moon is accompanied by his wife Mrs. Ban Soon-taek, the Secretary-General’s Senior Advisor and UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Mr. Tayé-Brook Zerihoun, UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Mr. Simon Springett among other high level UN representatives.