Seychelles and Cyprus in key cooperation talks |19 August 2008

The permanent secretary of the Cyprus Planning Bureau, Andreas Moleskis, is here to lead his country’s delegation from today until Friday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Long before the opening of diplomatic relations in April 1976, Seychelles and Cyprus enjoyed historical ties. An agreement on long-term economic, scientific, technical and industrial cooperation, signed in 1998, set a framework and was the first step towards formalising the links between the two countries.

This agreement provided for the setting-up of the Cypriot-Seychelles commission, which will explore through regular consultations new areas of bilateral cooperation.
Over the past years Cyprus has given much help to Seychelles – notably through scholarships in the fields of tourism and the environment.

The two countries also signed a double taxation avoidance agreement in 2006.

This week’s meeting will look to exploit all opportunities for new partnerships between Seychelles and Cyprus, two islands facing similar concerns and challenges. Regional and international issues of vital importance to both will also be raised.

During his stay, Mr Moleskis is due to make a courtesy call on President James Michel, as well as visit senior government officials.

A bilateral agreement in education, science and culture, as well as a protocol on consultations between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, is also expected to be signed during this session.
Vassos Chamberlen, Cypriot High Commissioner to Seychelles, is also part of the delegation.