President James Michel has extended the felicitations of the People and Government of Seychelles to Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands on her prosperous reign of over 30 years following her abdication to her son the Crown Prince Willem-Alexander on the 30th April.

President Michel praised the Queens leadership and extended his thanks for the fruitful relationship the Netherlands and Seychelles have enjoyed during her reign:

“Your reign has been one of exceptional character as the longest reigning Dutch monarch. The dedication you have invested in your nation has born fruitful developments as you carried out your duty as Queen during these last thirty-three years with great vigor and wisdom.

“Allow me to thank you for the eager cooperation that your reign has brought to Seychelles over the years especially with regards military support in the fight against the scourge of piracy. “

The President also sent a message to the new King of the Netherlands extending his congratulations and his wishes to build on the existing ties between the two countries.

The Foreign Minister, Jean-Paul Adam, made a special toast to the good health and prosperity of Queen Beatrix and to the newly crowned King Willem-Alexander while attending a reception held in their honour where he also made special mention of the close cooperation between Seychelles and the Netherlands in the fight against piracy:

“Over the years, Seychelles and the Netherlands have shared a special bond of friendship which has been characterised by our will to collaborate on issues that are of mutual interest to our states… We will not forget that the Dutch have provided strong support to our cause through the capture as well as the transfer of pirates… [And] their role in the Atalanta EU NAVFOR operations.”