The President of the Republic, Mr Danny Faure, welcomed the President of the Republic of Maldives, H.E. Mr Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, at State House this morning. President Solih is in Seychelles on a 2-day visit accompanied by a high-level delegation, comprising three of his Ministers and other high-level officials of the Maldivian Government.
At State House, following the welcoming ceremony and inspection of Guard of Honour, the two Heads of State engaged in tête-à-tête to further discussed way forward for opportunities to further enhance bilateral development and value-added cooperation.
The two Presidents joined their delegations for part of a bilateral meeting, together with Designated Minister, Mrs Macsuzy Mondon and other members of the Seychelles cabinet of ministers. President Solih was accompanied by his Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Abdulla Shahid, Chief of Staff, The President’s Office, Mr Uz. Ali Zahir, Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Abdul GhafoorMohamed, Ambassador at Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Mahir Didi, Chief Communication Strategist, The President’s Office, Mr. Ibrahim Hood, Secretary, Presidential Secretariat and Protocol, The President’s Office Ms.Fathimath Mohamed Solih, Secretary, Policy, The President’s Office Ms. Aminath Shauna, Secretary, Communications, The President’s Office, Mr. Hassan Ismail, Chief of Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Ibrahim Shaheeb.
During the bilateral meeting, President Faure noted that Seychelles and Maldives will be celebrating 40 years since they established diplomatic relations. He reaffirmed Seychelles’ commitment to further elevate their engagements to greater heights and hoped that the bilateral engagements take place in the spirit of brotherhood.
“I am confident that our historical friendship will further progress on a path of success, prosperity and accomplishments for the well-being of our nations. In echoing my sincere appreciation for your kind acceptance to grace us with your presence, please rest assured that Seychelles is committed to working closely with the Maldives across different platforms to achieve our common ambitions and shared visions,” said President Faure.
He continued, “I will seize this opportunity to also commend you, on your leadership where your dedication towards the upholding of democratic ideals, rule of law and international peaceful co-existence are highly respected and recognised”.
Furthermore, he noted that the visit of President Solih to Seychelles marks the beginning of fruitful and opening doors for new chapters in enhancing their bilateral cooperation.
The Seychelles President congratulated him as the Maldives won the bid to host the 2023 Indian Ocean Island Games and wished them great success in this endeavour.
On his part, President Solih said this visit is an important milestone in the Maldives-Seychelles relations and as members of the Alliance of Small Island State (AOSIS), both countries work closely on issues of mutual interest and common challenges, such as climate change, conservation, and others. Furthermore, President Solih also commented on the warmth and hospitality that had been accorded him, the First Lady, and the Maldivian delegation throughout their stay.
The discussions were highlighted by the commitments of Seychelles and Maldives for peace and security in the Indian Ocean, avenues of cooperation on climate change issues, blue economy, combatting illegal activities at sea; narcotics and human trafficking and terrorism.
President Faure announced that four scholarships will be given to Maldivian students to study in maritime fields, at the Seychelles Maritime Academy. He also announced that with the expansion of Port Victoria at the New Port, with the capacity of 118 thousand metre storage facilities for gas, this will also be put at the attention of the Maldivian government for their consideration.
Following their meetings, the two leaders witnessed the signing of seven cooperation agreements between the Government of Seychelles and the Republic of Maldives. President Solih was then honoured to sign the visitor’s book which was followed by the exchange of gifts on behalf of Seychelles and Maldives.
Editor’s note:
Details on the MoU:
Two instruments signed by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives and Her. Excellency Mrs. Macsuzy Mondon, Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture.
One instrument signed by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives and H.E Mr.Didier Dogley, Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine.
One instrument signed by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives and H.E. Mr. Wallace Cosgrow, Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change.
One instrument signed by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives and H.E.Ambassador Barry faure, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and the Blue Economy to join us to sign the remaining three instruments;