Anna Grupinska, the first Polish ambassador to Seychelles, presented her credentials to President James Michel at State House yesterday morning.

After talks with Mr Michel, she paid a courtesy call on Vice-President Danny Faure.

Meeting the press after her talks with the two leaders, Mrs Grupinska said even though diplomatic relations between the two countries were opened over 30 years ago, several reasons – including financial and logistical – prevented the accreditation of an ambassador until now. 

“But now is the perfect time, with both our countries going through a successful transformation, and I believe we can offer each other the benefit of great and fantastic experience,” she said.

Mrs Grupinska said the first meeting with President Michel and Vice-President Faure was to share both countries’ experiences and explore the various areas where cooperation could be developed.

The piracy problem affecting the region, and the political situation in Somalia were also among the topics discussed.

Among the first areas of cooperation Mrs Grupinska said she will work on is tourism.

She said the economic situation in Poland has improved. People there now have more money to spend on holidays and could choose Seychelles as their destination.

Mrs Grupinska described relations between the two countries as warm and friendly.

She said Poland, as a member of the European Union, contributes through its budget which further strengthens relations.

But she said she will work towards developing bilateral relations between Seychelles and Poland and is glad her Seychellois counterpart at the EU is a woman, which will boost cooperation in various fields to do with women’s advancement.

Mrs Grupinska – who will be based in Nairobi, Kenya – expressed her heartfelt thanks for the welcome she has received on her first visit here.

 

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