The President of the Republic of Seychelles, President Wavel Ramkalawan, received the Executive Director of the African Development Bank (ADB) Mr. Jonathan Nzayikorera, at State House, this afternoon. Mr. Nzayikorera is on an official consultative mission here in Seychelles as its representative on the Board of ADB, whereby he is meeting with the Seychellois authorities to brief them on the bank’s affairs and to seek their guidance on strategic areas that they need to focus on.

He was accompanied by Senior Advisor at the African Development Bank, Mr. Ronald Cafrine.

President Ramkalawan welcomed Mr. Nzayikorera on his first visit to Seychelles and thanked the ADB for all the support that it has provided to Seychelles over the years. He acknowledged the effort of Mr. Nzayikorera in pushing the agenda of Seychelles at the ADB and hope that he had a fruitful mission here in Seychelles that will further boost the country’s economic development.

“On behalf of the government of Seychelles, I would like to thank the ADB for the continued assistance that it has provided in helping us to forge ahead in our economic development and stability. The budget support that the ADB provided helped us, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a challenging time but we managed to overcome the difficulties. We are committed to maintain a diplomatic principle for the betterment and the goodwill of our nation. With all the assistance that the ADB provides, we are sure to remain on the right track. Rest assured on our continuous support,” said the President.

On behalf of the ADB, Mr. Nzayikorera commended the President for his leadership and Seychelles’ government for ranking top in a number of aspects among which is being a fully vaccinated country that has set an example not only for Africa but also to the whole world, social governance, a well-based welfare protection programme for its citizens, and democracy.

During the meeting, Mr. Nzayikorera briefed the Head of State on the aim of his visit where they further discussed the opportunity for economic diversification and the role of the private sector in the development of the country.

Also present for the courtesy meeting this morning was the Minister for Finance, Economic Planning and Trade, Mr. Naadir Hassan, and the Governor of Central Bank, Ms. Caroline Abel.