Cypriot HC accredited to Seychelles |04 October 2022
HC Nikolaides presents his credentials to President Ramkalawan (Photo: Louis Toussaint)
• Discusses enhancing relations through EU Framework
The newly accredited High Commissioner (HC) of Cyprus to Seychelles, Andreas Nikolaides, has described his country’s relations with Seychelles as excellent and one which he hopes to consolidate during his tenure.
Mr Nikolaides was speaking to the media after presenting his credentials to the Seychellois Head of State, President Wavel Ramkalawan, at State House yesterday morning.
He said that during his meeting with the president the two countries renewed their commitment and deep relationship, as well as talked about their historical link, which dates back to the 1950s with the exile of Archbishop Makarios to Seychelles.
The new HC said they also talked about bilateral relations as both countries were members of the Commonwealth, as well as how Cyprus could further assist Seychelles as a member of the European Union since 2004.
“It opens new possibilities for broadening the horizons for cooperation between Cyprus and Seychelles by bringing in the EU context and I expressed that since Seychelles has a true friend within the EU, we could also be advancing their interest.”
Mr Nikolaides said being two island states, Seychelles and Cyprus also had common concerns and these issues were also raised at yesterday’s meeting.
These included climate change, which he said was affecting island nations more severely.
With regard to new areas of cooperation, he said Cyprus and Seychelles could consider the blue economy and maritime security.
“There are many fields where we can exchange know-how and ideas, and there is a strong possibility through the EU framework to enhance our relations, because although we are geographically distant, we are facing common problems and we have a bigger platform now for cooperation,” added the new HC.
Seychelles and Cyprus established diplomatic relations in July 1976 and the new High Commissioner, Mr Nikolaides, will be based in Muscat, Oman.
Patsy Canaya