President James Michel travels to Sri Lanka this week to undertake a state visit at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa.

This visit is expected to further strengthen relations between the two countries, and is the first official visit of the President to Sir Lanka. Discussions are expected focus on the fisheries, legal affairs, health and education cooperation,  as well as opportunities to enhance trade and investment between the two countries.

“As two Indian Ocean States, Seychelles and Sri Lanka have a lot of experiences and opportunities to share with each other. In times of global economic crisis and fierce global competition for market access, it is important to boost for South-South cooperation and increase commerce and investment in the region, as well as our competitiveness. Seychelles is also interested in joining hands with Sri Lanka in order to further develop the concept of the blue economy as a means to protecting and better utilising marine resources for the mutual benefit of both countries,” said the President.

The President will be accompanied by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Jean-Paul Adam, the Minister for Natural Resources and Industry, Peter Sinon, and the Seychelles High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Waven William, who is resides in New Delhi.