Maldives, Seychelles seek closer relations |05 August 2011

President Mohamed Nasheed, who is at the head of a high-level delegation comprising several ministers, is on his first official visit to Seychelles.

Besides President Michel, Mr Nasheed also held talks with Vice-President Danny Faure and the Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Paul Adam.

“We are very happy to welcome you in our islands, to develop closer relations and consider the challenges of small island states together,” said Mr Michel when welcoming the Maldivian President.

After the talks, the two presidents witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on fisheries cooperation as well as a protocol on cooperation to combat piracy and other maritime security threats in the Indian Ocean.

The documents were signed by Minister Adam and his Maldivian counterpart Ahmed Naseem.

Going back to the talks, the two presidents agreed that in order to encourage trade between Seychelles and the Maldives, a shipping line between the island states of the Indian Ocean needs to be developed, and with this, economic cooperation and exchange will be enhanced.

“We must do more to improve our regional trade and share our expertise, especially as we are both focused on fisheries and tourism, and in this way develop sustainable solutions to regional challenges,” President Michel said.

The two heads of State discussed the possibilities of improving productivity of the artisanal fisheries industry in Seychelles, through cooperation with the Maldives. Tuna fishing and other fishing activities conducted by the majority of the Maldivian population account for the livelihood of 40% of the workforce.

“Our fishing industry is worth about US $500 million a year. We want to work with Seychelles to find ways to help improve and increase its productivity in that sector,” President Nasheed said.

Mr Nasheed said it was a privilege to meet President Michel and to discuss issues which are similar to the two countries.

Piracy was also a topic of discussion, particularly ideas to improve patrolling of the Indian Ocean and collaborating in anti-piracy initiatives.

Mr Nasheed noted he is very encouraged by the discussion he’s had with Mr Michel and equally happy that he is of the will that there is so much to explore in the area.

Mr Nasheed said like Seychelles, the Maldives is also in the frontline with regard to climate change and its delicate environment just like ours needs to be protected for future generations. He said he is very encouraged by Seychelles’ renewable energy and the views of Mr Michel and the Seychelles government on climate change. There again, he said, the two countries have a lot to share.

He noted that with all the small islands cooperating together, we can make a good impact at international fora.  

Minister Adam said after the signing that both Seychelles and the Maldives have a lot in common and they have both been affected by piracy and both countries depend a lot on fishing and these agreements are frameworks by which the two countries can better collaborate and work together.

The Maldivian Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Naseem said it is important that the two countries which have so much in common and share the same ocean to also share their knowledge in fisheries and collaborate to fight the threat of piracy in the region and the two agreements are very important for the two countries.

President Nasheed, who will be guest of honour at the opening ceremony of the 8th Indian Ocean Island Games this evening, leaves Seychelles on Sunday.