Outgoing Italian ambassador Pierandrea Magistrati said this at State House yesterday after bidding farewell to Mr Michel.

He said the reform success was the highlight of relations between his country and Seychelles during the four years he has been ambassador to Kenya and Seychelles.

“When I first came here, Seychelles’ situation was very difficult. Then came the reforms which I’m very happy with, especially because the people understood the need for them – and that was very important,” he said.

Mr Magistrati said the reforms became a success that has been lauded by key global bodies like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

“They are all positive, and so are we, and that’s why we have decided to cancel part of the debts you owe us and reschedule others. The situation now is much better than it was three years ago,” he said, commending Mr Michel for launching the reforms and noting other nations have done the same with our debts.

Mr Magistrati regretted that pirates can now operate far from Somalia and are affecting both Italy and Seychelles as they become more violent.

“What is worrying is that before, they were not using weapons but they have now started doing so,” he said.

“We are grateful that Seychelles is helping with the prosecution and jailing of some of the pirates.

“Pirates are really a problem because we do not know where to take them and sometimes we have to release them.”

He then described relations between Seychelles as very good, saying we support Italy at international forums.