Maldives and Seychelles sign fisheries and marine security agreements

Maldivian and Seychellois officials have today signed two agreements to cooperate with one another, one on development of fisheries industry, and one on cooperation in marine security issues. Friendly relationship between the two countries has been taken to a new level via these agreements during an official visit by Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed to Seychelles.

The agreements were signed during a special function held at the official residence of Seychelles President James Michelle. Foreign Minister Ahmed Naseem signed the agreement on behalf of the Maldives, and his counterpart Jean Paul Adam signed on behalf of Seychelles.

During today’s function, President Nasheed and President James discussed ways of further strengthening friendly ties between Maldives and Seychelles. President Nasheed briefed his colleague on the economic conditions of the Maldives and on the various measures being taken to tackle economic issues in the Maldives.

Seychellois Minister for Home Affairs, Environment, Transport and Energy Joel Morgan, Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean Paul Adam, Minister for Investment, Natural Resources and Industry Peter Sinen called on President Nasheed today. During the President’s meeting with these Ministers, he discussed the matter of establishing a maritime company in the Maldives and training staff for such a company. Also, the issue of establishing a regional airline corporation between the Maldives and Seychelles was discussed in the meeting.

Pierre Lapote, Governor of Seychelles Central Bank, also called on President Nasheed today. In the meeting, he gave the President a briefing on the programs designed and implemented to improve the economic conditions of Seychelles. The President also invited Governor Pierre Lapote to visit the Maldives and share his experiences in the efforts to develop Seychelles economy with the Maldivian officials.