President Michel holds talks with Qatari leader and top officials |14 February 2006

According to a press release from the presidential delegation, the main area of discussions centred on the possibilities of further enhancing investment from Qatar into Seychelles.

It is expected that ongoing negotiations towards a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement and an agreement of the Protection of Investments between the two countries will be concluded shortly, the press release said.

Noting that the discussions were held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, the press release said that President Michel thanked the Amir for Qatar’s quick response to Seychelles’ need following the tsunami that hit the islands in December 2004, commenting that every Seychellois had been touched by the kind gesture.

President Michel also congratulated the State of Qatar for their leadership notably in relation to the continuation of a south-south dialogue, noted the press release.

Thanking Seychelles for its support on a number of Qatari initiatives, the Amir, who welcomed President Michel on arrival at Doha International Airport, said he was looking forward to a further strengthening of bilateral cooperation.

The press release also noted that throughout yesterday, the Seychelles National Flag was flown side by side with the Qatari National Standard.

The State of Qatar currently enjoys one of the highest per capita incomes in the world as a result of oil and gas revenues.