Press release

Ambassador Marie-Pierre Lloyd is accredited as Seychelles’ first non-resident Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway

January 19, 2015
StateHouse

Ambassador Lloyd presented her letters of credence to HM King Harald V of the Kingdom of Norway on Thursday 15th January 2015 in Oslo.

After the exchange of greetings and good wishes His Majesty welcomed Ambassador Lloyd as Seychelles’ first Ambassador accredited to Norway, acknowledging that this is an indication of a mutual desire to consolidate and further the strong ties which already exist between the two countries.

Ambassador Lloyd took the opportunity to express Seychelles’ deep gratitude for all the support and assistance provided by the Kingdom of Norway to Seychelles particularly in the recent years   in the fight against piracy.

Noting that there has been great reduction in pirate activity in the Indian Ocean over the past year, HM King Harald V cautioned that we should not however be complacent.  His Majesty indicated that Norway is willing to continue its support to keep the Indian Ocean free of piracy and other transnational crimes.  He commended Seychelles for our efforts in this regard and also for our contribution to international support for the Somali government’s plans to improve security, justice and economic governance aiming at ensuring peace and stability in the region.

During her two and half day visit to Norway Ambassador Lloyd also had several high level discussions with representatives from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to explore areas for further collaboration between the Kingdom of Norway and Seychelles.  Maritime security remains a priority area for Norway and a high –level visit from Seychelles is expected soon in order to finalise future assistance and collaboration between Norway and Seychelles in this area of mutual priority.

To be noted that being classified as a middle-income country Seychelles does not qualify for bilateral assistance from Norway.  Discussions with representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs therefore explored other frameworks for collaboration between our two countries.

Areas identified for potential trade and collaboration under the Blue Economy concept include ocean governance; marine research; oil exploration and fisheries.  Other points of discussion covered climate change, the environment and ways in which to increase tourism, trade and cultural exchanges between the Kingdom of Norway and Seychelles.

In this regard the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is very keen to facilitate contact and collaboration with appropriate and relevant Norwegian national institutions and commercial organisations.

Ambassador Lloyd was accompanied during her visit by Mr Tore Wendelborg,

Seychelles Honorary Consul in Norway .