Toast by President Michel for the official luncheon on the occasion of the working visit to Seychelles of H.E. Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Sat, 28 June 2014 | Foreign Affairs
Your Excellency, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka,
Your Excellency, Prof. G.L. PEIRIS, Honorable Minister of External Affairs of the Democratic Socialist of Sri Lanka,
Your Excellency, Mr. Rajatha Piyatissa, High Commissioner of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to Seychelles,
Ministers,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a great honour and pleasure for me to welcome you once again to Seychelles. We accord the highest priority to your official visit. It is of great importance and significance to the Government and people of Seychelles and to me personally.
We have put in place a strong and vibrant partnership in various sectors of our cooperation. Your visit will no doubt further cement our close relations and it demonstrates Sri Lanka’s active commitment with Seychelles as a true and resolute partner.
The landmark events, such as the agreements we just signed, the opening of the Sri Lankan High Commission and a branch of the Bank of Ceylon fortify to the vitality of our relations.
The strengthening of air links between our two countries is already boosting trade, tourism, people to people ties and other exchanges.
Increasing commercial and business ties between our two countries is one of the best ways to support economic growth and strengthen our communities.
We greatly value that partnership which brings benefits to both Sri Lankans and Seychellois alike.
We also greatly value your friendship in our joint efforts and action to mobilize the international community to address more effectively the needs and vulnerabilities of islands, to promote cooperation on environmental issues such as climate change and oceanic development and the implementation of the blue economy concept.
We thank you for your sincerity and true friendship.
I would therefore like to raise a toast the good health and prosperity of His Excellency, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, and his distinguished delegation, as well as to the everlasting ties of friendship and cooperation which bind the peoples of Seychelles and Sri Lanka.
I thank you.