Russia among Seychelles’ top tourism markets-Transaero to resume flights |14 June 2012

This was highlighted by Russian ambassador Mikhail Kalinin at a reception at the Coral Strand Hotel on Tuesday to mark his country’s national day.

He also announced that the Russian airline, Transaero, will resume direct flights from Moscow, hopefully in October.

Russian investments in the Seychelles tourism industry has surpassed $300 million, with two hotels being built by Russian companies.

Addressing a large number of guests, Mr Kalinin noted that on June 12, 1990, Russia -- at the time part of the Soviet Union -- was proclaimed a sovereign republic and the beginning of the modern history of New Russia had started. 

After deep economic and political reforms, Russia is emerging again as a strong and democratic state, open for cooperation and friendship with all countries.

Mr Kalinin said both Russian President Vladimir Putin and President James Michel were recently elected for a new term and he is sure that a new impetus will be soon given by them to develop our bilateral relations further.

“We highly appreciate the very clear position on piracy taken by the Seychelles Government. It is indeed a matter of principle and survival. It severely affects the security and economic situation in Seychelles. We salute your country, which finds itself on the front line of this fight,” he said.

Mr Kalinin expressed satisfaction that despite its limited resources, Seychelles and its coastguards are doing a lot to effectively combat piracy.

He said the setting up of the Regional Anti-piracy Intelligence Coordination Centre is another example of such effort, which Russia is prepared to support.

Russia proposed the setting up of an international judicial body in the region for the prosecution of pirates and Mr Kalinin gladly noted that this kind of body is already functioning in Seychelles, ensuring the inevitability of justice and punishment of the captured pirates.

Mr Kalinin said Russia is contributing to the international battle against piracy. Last march, a large anti-submarine warship Admiral Tributs of the Russian Navy took part in the second edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria. He noted that this was the fourth visit of the Russian warship after 20 years.

Among other areas of beneficial cooperation, is the World Innovation Centre – a project which will bring to Seychelles the latest medical technologies and a new quality of medical treatment.

For Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Paul Adam, the occasion was one for a double celebration, as he marked his 35th birthday Tuesday. He said that as Seychelles celebrates the 36th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, we can boast of a growing and well-developed multifaceted relationship in various fields.

Mr Adam said the recent signing of the MoU between the Attorney General’s office in Russia and that of Seychelles bears testimony to the good relations we have developed in the legal field and our determination to work closely together to counter the increasingly global nature of a number of criminal activities.

Noting the passion for sports that links the two countries, he said many Seychellois sportsmen have benefitted from various trainings offered by Russia. He expressed the hope  that exchanges in such fields will be strengthened in the coming years, considering the prominent role that Russia is now playing in the world of sports, with for instance, its successful biding for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Mr Adam said Seychelles highly appreciates Russia’s clear and unequivocal support in the fight against piracy.

“The patrol of the region by Russian ships and the regular calls made to Port Victoria by Russian naval ships is clear demonstration of Russia’s unwavering commitment to the fight.”

Mr Adam also saluted Ambassador Kalinin for “his untiring efforts” to strengthen cooperation between our two countries and Ms Tatiana Kalinin for her admirable work with the Diplomatic Spouses Association and wished her the best of luck as head of the organisation.