“This evening, Seychelles and Vietnam meet as old friends. But we also meet as friends that share a common vision for the future based on enhanced trade and cooperation. A vision based on shared values. A vision that places people at the centre of development,”.

President Michel was addressing Seychellois and Vietnamese distinguished guests at a banquet hosted for him by President Truong Tan Sang at the International Convention Center in Hanoi last evening.

The President noted the state visit of Former President Albert Rene in 1980, one that he said reminds people from Seychelles and Vietnam of good and important memories, that he himself had the pleasure to experience as being part of the delegation then.

“This visit was at an important time, coming just one year after our diplomatic relations were officially established. It not only represented Seychelles’ keenness to illustrate its solidarity with Vietnam, but our desire to strengthen our friendship – one that from the very beginning has and continues to be based on common values, mutual respect and shared goals,” said President Michel in his address.

President Michel noted that Seychelles and Vietnam have made tremendous socio-economic progress base on the macro-economic reforms and wise decisions.

“Vietnam represents an example of a country that has used judicious investments in social infrastructure as illustrated through its strong progress on the Millennium Development Goals, to power the rise of its market economy.  And this rise has been phenomenal. Seychelles has also for many years ensured that it has the right social infrastructure to sustain its progress.  In 2008, as we were buffeted by the winds of the global economic crisis, Seychelles restructured its economy to better deal with the new economic environment, and has seen the dividends in its economic growth,” said President Michel.

President Michel also pointed that as maritime nation, Seychelles and Vietnam must work together in promoting the sustainability of our oceans.

“We are also two nations that have placed our oceanic spaces at the core of the debate about sustainable development. The Blue Economy is a key part of our future and those of our children. We can only truly make use of these resources sustainably by ensuring there is a sharing of expertise and experience. We must make our oceans a space for development and not just exploitation and here we are happy to note that our partnership will help both our countries moving in that direction,” he said.

In his address, President Sang reaffirmed the continuation of the long-standing relations that exist between Seychelles and Vietnam, one that will develop further in the years to come.

“We note with satisfaction that the cooperation between Vietnam and Seychelles has seen encouraging steps forwards and expanded to areas of investment, tourism, agriculture and trade thanks to the cultivation of both sides. The achievements that two countries obtained in the cause of national building and development will lay good precedent and foundation for us to further expand and make our cooperation more effective as well as cultivate our traditional friendship,” President Sang said.