Seychelles’ fight against piracy gets big boost

 Maritime security in our waters is expected to be greatly enhanced with the arrival yesterday of a new naval vessel donated by China to Seychelles.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Paul Adam and the ambassador of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to Seychelles Shi Zhongjun visited the new vessel upon its arrival at the Seychelles Coastguard base at Ile Perseverance.

They were accompanied by a delegation of high ranking officers from the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF), among them Chief of Defence Forces Brigadier Leopold Payet.

The donation of the vessel came after President James Michel visited the PRC in 2011 where he shared the concern Seychelles has in regard with patrolling and monitoring its vast exclusive economic zone.

“This vessel is purposely built for the Seychelles and we are pleased to welcome it in Seychelles. China has always recognised the development constraints that Seychelles face and in trying to adapt to solutions which fit the requirement of Seychelles. And this is an example of the resource which is very much adapted to the needs of Seychelles and which will help us safeguard all of the potential that we talk about in terms of the ‘Blue Economy’,” Minister Adam said.

Thanking the PRC, Minister Adam noted that the vessel will now undergo a commissioning process that will take several weeks to complete.

He said hopefully the vessel will be commissioned and be operational just in time for the official hand-over that will coincide with the Seychelles National Day in June.

“We honour Seychelles for being in the forefront in the fight against piracy and we praise Seychelles for her role in maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean.  So we think as a friend of Seychelles we have the responsibility to assist this partnership here,” Ambassador Zhongjun said.

Noting that the boat has been built especially for Seychelles, he said he hopes  that it will strengthen the capability of Seychelles in the fight against piracy and in maintaining peace and security in the Indian Ocean. 

Further details about the vessel will be revealed during the official hand-over ceremony.

Forrás: www.nation.sc