Seychelles Ambassador accredited to Malta

Ambassador Marie-Pierre Lloyd presented her letters of credence to Her Excellency Mrs Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, President of the Republic of Malta, on Thursday 27thh November.
“I have the honour to convey to Your Excellency greetings and good wishes from President, Mr James Alix Michel, and the Government and people of the Republic of Seychelles, and to present to Your Excellency, the Letter by which President Michel has accredited me as non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Malta,” said Ambassador Lloyd
President Coleiro Preca noted the similarities between Malta and Seychelles as two small island state and the excellent relations which have long existed between the two countries.
Ambassador Lloyd thanked Malta for all the support and assistance received in various fields in the form of technical assistance and capacity building. She highlighted that both Seychelles and Malta continue to be strong advocates for small island states and commended Malta for her leadership with respect to environment and climate change.
President Coleiro Preca expressed her concerns over the challenges faced by small island states particularly in relation to sustainable development and climate change and stressed on the need for us to work together to make our voices heard on the global scene.
Ambassador Lloyd took the opportunity to stress that Seychelles is willing to work closely with Malta in this regard and is looking forward to CHOGM 2015, which will be hosted by Malta. “This, she says, will give yet another boost to small states and will certainly demonstrate that, though small, SIDS can add to global debates and call for action on global challenges.”
She elaborated on the Blue Economy concept highlighting that many nations are embracing the concept, helping to harness further support and partnerships.
Ambassador Lloyd also held talks with several Ministers and High-level officials on potential areas for collaboration in different areas notably; in tourism & Culture, training and education, environment and energy, fisheries and maritime.
It agreed that the two countries will make the necessary arrangements to conclude a General Cooperation Agreement in the near future in order to explore further the possibilities for increased cooperation. Mr Simon Mifsud, Consul for the Republic of Seychelles in Malta, accompanied Ambassador Lloyd in the accreditation.