President Michel returns from official visit to Libya
Seychelles and Libya have reaffirmed their desire to see the African Union play a stronger role in facing up to the challenges of Africa, particularly in ensuring peace and security on the continent.
This came out at the end of a one-day visit President James Michel undertook over the weekend to Libya, where he held high-level talks with that country’s leader Colonel Muammar al-Gaddafi.
The rise of piracy in the Horn of Africa region has brought new challenges for African states and it is important that all African states come together to try and solve the problem, President Michel said.
“It is only through coordination and cooperation among all African partners that we will be able to deal with the continued instability of failed states in Africa and its negative consequences for regional peace and prosperity.
“Both Libya and Seychelles have recognized the importance of this for the future of our children,” President Michel remarked.
In the forthcoming African Union Summit later this year, both Libya and Seychelles will be calling for increased resources for peace and security, and increased commitment to a united African approach on such issues.
President Michel has also congratulated the Libyan Leader on his leadership in the process of building a united Africa under the umbrella of the African Union.
“Both Seychelles and Libya are committed to building a united continent, which sets the platform for optimum development of all member states. As two middle income states, we are very much aware of the need for development beyond the traditional dependency on development aid. We share a common desire to enhance the prospects for a sustainable development framework for Africa,” Mr Michel said.
During President Michel’s visit, the two countries also exchanged views on how to build on the long history of bilateral cooperation which has characterized the relationship between Libya and Seychelles.
Libya recently made a very important gesture towards Seychelles in February this year by cancelling over 50% of the debt owed as part of the support for the successful economic reforms undertaken as of 2008. The President thanked his counterpart for the support offered to Seychelles in this critical period.
The Libyan Leader has also noted the excellent opportunities that exist for enhancing the investment and trade ties between the two countries particularly in the fields of tourism, petroleum exploration and communications.
A specialized Libyan delegation will be travelling to Seychelles later this year to explore and promote these opportunities.