He was here to visit the Portuguese armed forces detachment stationed at the Seychelles International Airport.

Dr Silva said that Portugal would continue to aid the maritime and air-based Atalanta operations in the Indian Ocean, as well as contributing to the peacekeeping operations on mainland Somalia, in order to address the root of the piracy problem.

“Seychelles is playing a very important role in the fight against piracy. We emphasise the regional approach to piracy, as well as finding a solution to the problem in Somalia,” said Dr Silva.

President Michel said: “We are partners in the struggle against piracy. With the aid of Portugal and the European Union as a whole, we are limiting the effects of piracy in the region. We have achieved the best that we are able to with the limited resources that we have.”

President Michel also agreed that it is important the international community addresses the problem of mainland Somalia, and helps to find a lasting solution to this failed state.

The President and the  Portuguese minister also discussed the work of the Portuguese Air Force Detachment which was deployed to Seychelles in April this year as part of the EUNAVFOR Atalanta Operation.

“The Portuguese air force surveillance operation is very important for the Seychelles anti-piracy effort as we rely on the data to intercept pirates. This has proved to be a very productive operation,” said President Michel.

Yesterday Dr Silva also called on Minister for Home Affairs, Environment and Transport Joel Morgan, Minister for Foreign Afairs Jean-Paul Adam and chief of defence forces Brigadier Leopold Payet.