Seychelles Foreign Affairs Minister visits India

New Delhi, Feb 15 (IBNS) Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Seychelles Jean-Paul Adam is in India currently on an official visit from 14 to 16 February.

He held delegation-level talks with Minister of External AffairsS.M. Krishna on 14th February, who hosted him a working lunch.

Both sides reviewed bilateral relations as well as current status of various bilateral cooperation matters, particularly those which emanated after the State Visit of President of Seychelles in June 2010.

President of Seychelles also visited India in February 2011 and in February 2012 to participate in the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit (DSDS) and met Prime Minister to discuss bilateral cooperation issues.

During the talks, the Indian side reiterated its commitment to continue its support to Seychelles for its security, development, and in its capacity building efforts. Other areas of cooperation discussed include trade and investment, culture, hydrocarbon sector, fisheries etc.

Both sides emphasized the need to continue joint surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone of Seychelles and anti-piracy surveillance to ensure safety of the Indian Ocean region.

Both sides also discussed regional situation and matters pertaining to Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the African Union (AU). An MOU between Government of India and Government of Seychelles and an Agreement between Seychelles and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the supply of Coastal Surveillance Radar Systems as well as an Agreement between Seychelles and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the supply of a Dornier Aircraft were signed during the occasion.

During his stay in India, the Seychelles Foreign Minister is scheduled to meet Defence Minister AK Antony. He will also visit National Defence College (NDC) and Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD).