Dr Chambas – here to attend a two-day high-level meeting of the grouping and its European partners – said the visit was a chance to thank the government and people of Seychelles for their warm welcome and excellent arrangements for a highly successful event.

He said he assured Mr Michel that convening the regional meeting of the ACP-European Union Joint Parliamentary Assembly (ACP-EU JPA) here was a great opportunity to discuss issues of mutual concern to the ACP countries, particularly in East Africa, and especially the problems caused by piracy. 

He regretted the fact that piracy is disrupting Seychelles’ economic development, which he said has been doing extremely well and is one very good example of successful economic management in the region.

“The issue of piracy is a great threat to the peace, stability and economic development of countries like Seychelles which, through no fault of their own, are becoming victims of this phenomenon,” he said.

“We expect our EU partners to take up this issue in all international forums. This is no longer a regional or African problem now but an international problem which needs to be handled with urgency.”

Trade development issues, in particular the Economic Partnership Agreement being discussed with the EU, also featured in the talks.

Dr Chambas said there are particular aspects of the ongoing negotiations where the ACP would like to see more flexibility on the part of the EU so as to bring the talks to a close.

This would ensure that the unique features of small island states like Seychelles are considered so they are not disadvantaged through having limited resources and space.

He said these issues have to be seen in such a way as to ensure that progress achieved in countries like Seychelles is consolidated and made sustainable. All these issues, as well as more cultural exchanges between the countries of the region, were part of the talks with the President.

Dr Chambas said Seychelles is a very dynamic member of the ACP family and he is happy that the highly successful meeting was held here.

He said he expects the issues discussed during the ACP-EU JPA meeting will resonate in the EU parliament in relation to the revised Cotonou Agreement – the most comprehensive partnership accord between developing countries and the EU.

Dr Chambas stressed that parliaments are very important in all democracies, but this joint parliament is especially important as it is the only forum that brings together the 79 developing ACP countries and their 27 EU partners.