Malta and the Seychelles discussed the ‘Island for Islands’ initiative, which was announced by Prime Minister Robert Abela. This was discussed during a bilateral meeting held by the Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Minister Ian Borg together with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of the Seychelles, Sylvestre Radegonde.
It was said how Malta has the will to further develop this initiative so that it can assist countries such as the Seychelles, where sea level rise is a reality and is destroying entire stretches of land and shores.
During this official visit, two cooperation agreements were signed, one on health and the other on a Joint Commission. During the bilateral meeting held by Minister Borg together with the Minister of Seychelles, Sylvestre Radegonde, it was remarked how this meeting is a historic and a significant one due to the fact that Malta and the Seychelles are establishing the way forward for cooperation between them.
“I believe that this meeting is serving as a way towards more dialogue through which we can strengthen bilateral and even commercial relations between the two countries, particularly in the tourism field. Like Malta, one of the main pillars of the Seychelles’ economy is this sector”, said Minister Borg.
During this meeting, the subject of blue economy was also discussed. Considering that both Malta and Seychelles are island states, it is very important that this sector remains at the top of the agenda.
The agenda also included the fishing sector, the exclusive economic zone, the maritime sector and our country’s success in it, and the collaboration on international forums such as the Commonwealth. Also present for this meeting was the Minister for Investment, Enterprise and Industry Devika Vidot and the Minister for Education Justin Valentin.
During the official visit to the Seychelles, Minister Ian Borg also had a meeting with the Vice President Ahmed Afif. A clear message that both countries should continue the dialogue which has been started and with the aim of making the cooperation more stable and sustainable.
