July 2, 2010 -- President James Michel has sent a message of congratulation to the newly-elected German President, Mr Christian Wulff.

In the message President Michel said: "Our two countries have always shared a close and fruitful cooperation based on the ideals of friendship and peace in the Indian Ocean and in the world.

"Your government's support in the international effort to combat piracy off the Horn of Africa has been much appreciated. This is a serious threat to the sovereignty of Seychelles, as well as a major problem for the world. Again, my country looks forward to the continuing support of your country on this issue.

"We have also sincerely appreciated the support that Germany has given us as we carried out difficult economic reform in the last two years.

"On the international scene, both our countries are partners in the fight against climate change. Seychelles and the Federal Republic of Germany have both realized the effect that global warming is having on our planet. This is a reason why my country has given its total support to Germany's bid to become a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in the 2010 election," President Michel told President Wulff.