Press release

Seychelles and Czech Republic to promote bilateral relations with a General Cooperation Agreement

October 2, 2023
StateHouse

Seychelles and the Czech Republic agreed to further enhance relations through the signing of a General Cooperation Agreement (GCA). This was agreed upon during a courtesy call by the Ambassador-designate of the Czech Republic, H.E Mr. Miroslav Kosek on the Principal Secretary for the Foreign Affairs Department, Ambassador Vivianne Fock Tave on Monday 2nd October 2023 at Maison Quéau de Quinssy.

The GCA is considered a significant step in enhancing cooperation between the Czech Republic and Seychelles, “The signing of a General Cooperation Agreement (CGA) will allow us to strengthen the ties between our two nations and cover a wide range of areas for cooperation, including trade, investment, tourism, education, culture, and technology,” expressed the Principal Secretary.

New and existing collaborations in the various sectors such as Health, Law and Education were also among the topics discussed. In the Health sector, having previously signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), both diplomats agreed to implement the terms of the MoU with particular emphasis on Human Resource Development. H.E Mr. Kosek added that he would look into the possibility of offering scholarships for Seychellois students to study in the Czech Republic under the Development Cooperation Programme

In order to facilitate the sharing of information pertaining to legal matters, both parties were open to new collaboration in legal matters by signing an Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance.

The tourism sector was also recognized as one area for increased collaboration through historic and cultural exchanges aimed at bringing visitors closer to the community. The dialogue allowed both diplomats to exchange potential areas for future cooperation in the tourism industry by sharing information, expertise and methods.

During the meeting, Principal Secretary Fock Tave also seized the opportunity to express the Government’s gratitude to the Czech Republic for the support given to Seychelles through Operation ATALANTA with EUNAVFOR in the Western Indian Ocean in the combat against illicit maritime crime such as piracy, drug and human trafficking.

The Ambassador-designate of the Czech Republic, H.E Mr. Miroslav Kosek will present his credential letters to President Wavel Ramkalawan on Tuesday 3rd October 2023 in a ceremony at State House. He will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.