Statement to the Media by President James Michel, following bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, State House
Wed, 11 March 2015 | Foreign Affairs
Your Excellency Shri Narendra Modi,
Prime Minister of the Republic of India,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your visit, Prime Minister, is a testimony to the special and privileged relations between our two countries. It is a pleasure and an honour to host you.
We have shared historical and cultural affinities. They underpin our relations. They have grown over the years, and encompass a vast range of activities. Today, India is a valued and strategic partner for Seychelles. Everybody recognizes India’s footprints on many facets of our economic, social and cultural development. We have an exemplary partnership in the defence and security sectors. This is very much reflected in our fight against piracy and the joint patrolling of our oceans and also the training of our defense personnel.
The four agreements, which have just been signed in the military field as well as in hydrography, renewable energy and air services will provide renewed platforms for our two countries to strengthen further our relations.
We are very encouraged by the willingness of the government and people of India to work with us in the context of the development of our Blue Economy. This is an area that holds great promise for our nations. The Blue Economy is all about ownership by regional states of the resources in our oceans around our islands and our coasts.
India is a leader and Seychelles looks to India not only at the bilateral level, but also regionally and globally. Both our countries have a shared interest in the security of the Indian Ocean.
Our relationship also extends to mutual support to each other when it comes to international issues, such as the reform of the Security Council and India’s support for the cause of Small Island Developing states.
Mr Prime Minister,
You have invited me to visit your great country. I thank you very much for your kind invitation, which I accept with great pleasure. It is always a good experience to visit incredible India. India is a beautiful country where its unity is woven in the tapestry of diversity. I look forward to meeting you in Delhi in the course of the year.
In fact let remember that the ocean that overlaps both our shores is a bridge that unites us and our aspirations of shared prosperity for our peoples.
Thank you for spending some time with us. I do hope that we shall have the pleasure of welcoming you back to our shores in the not too distant future.
Thank you your Excellency.