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Archive - Archive 2004 - July 2013

New Seychelles ambassador accredited to Portugal |26 January 2012

New Seychelles ambassador accredited to Portugal

Mr Morel (left) presenting his credentials to President Anibal Cavaco Silva

Mr Morel, who is Seychelles’ resident ambassador in Paris, presented his credentials to Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva in a ceremony at the Belem Palace in Lisbon on January 10.

Discussions with President Cavaco Silva and other senior government officials centered on issues of national interest to Seychelles as well as collaboration between the two countries at international level.

On behalf of President James Michel, Mr Morel thanked the Portuguese authorities for their active engagement in counter-piracy initiatives and the quest for peace and stability in Somalia.

It is to be recalled that the Portuguese military forces took part in both the European Union’s ‘Atalanta’ operation and Nato’s ‘Ocean Shield’ operation as a contribution to the efforts of the international community to combat piracy in the Horn of Africa and the Indian Ocean regions.

A Portuguese air force aircraft as well as military personnel were stationed at Seychelles International Airport from March 2010 to June 2011.

Mr Morel was informed that a frigate from the Portuguese navy will also be deployed in the Indian Ocean region during the months of April and May.

The European Union, through its Foreign Affairs Council, adopted a strategic framework last November to guide the EU’s engagement in Somalia in achieving lasting peace, security and justice, the rule of law, the respect for human rights and self-sustaining economic growth.

Portugal is committed to ensuring the success of this initiative in the long term.

Other pertinent points of discussion included collaboration within the United Nations system.

Portugal is currently serving as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

The Portuguese government is attentive to the concerns and aspirations of Small Island Developing States (Sids) and has pledged to continue backing Sids on critical issues like climate change and sustainable development.

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