New DPRK ambassador accredited-Czech ambassador says farewell |21 November 2007

Shortly after, the outgoing ambassador of the Czech Republic, His Excellency Petr Kopøiva said farewell to the President as his four-year mandate comes to an end.

Both ambassadors also called on Vice-President Joseph Belmont following their meetings with President Michel.

Speaking to the press after their meetings with the two leaders, the newly accredited Korean ambassador, Mr An Hui Jong said his meetings with President Michel and VP Belmont had given him the opportunity to discuss ways to further strengthen and consolidate bilateral relations and increase exchanges between the two countries during his tenure of office.

Mr An Hui Jong also commended the warm and friendly relations that already exist between DPRK and Seychelles even though the two countries are geographically very far apart.

Mr An Hui Jong, who is replacing Mr Ri Yong Hak, is the fifth Korean ambassador to be accredited to Seychelles and he will be based in Pretoria, South Africa.

For his part the outgoing ambassador of the Czech Republic, Mr Kopøiva, said that cooperation between Seychelles and his country has increased in various areas over the years especially in the tourism sector where he said visitors from his country have come to Seychelles in large numbers.

He said he will be leaving office satisfied in having contributed in further strengthening this good relation.

Mr Kopøiva is the third Czech ambassador to serve his country here and he was based in Nairobi, Kenya.

It is to be noted that during their visit here this week, both ambassadors also called on various ministers, the Speaker of the National Assembly and other high government officials.