Russian ambassador Mikhail Kalinin said this recently during a reception held at the Coral Strand Hotel to mark his country’s National Day.

“Russia contributes actively to the international fight against piracy that severely affects the security and economic situation in Seychelles, which is on the front line of this fight,” he said.

“Last October a large anti-submarine warship, the Admiral Tributs, paid a friendly visit to Port Victoria – the first visit by a Russian warship in 20 years.

“Russian naval ships will continue to patrol the area between Seychelles and Somalia. Another heavy missile cruiser of the Russian Navy is expected to come to Seychelles later this year.”

Mr Kalinin said his country has proposed that an international judicial body be set up in the region where pirates can be prosecuted, easing the burden of the coastal states and ensuring pirates do not escape justice.

“We greatly appreciate the very clear position on piracy taken by the Seychelles government,” he said.

“It is indeed a matter of survival. Despite limited resources, Seychelles and its coast guards are doing a lot to effectively combat piracy. The patrol ship Topaz has proved it again recently.”

Mr Kalinin also talked about increased economic activity between the two countries and the greater number of Russian tourists coming to Seychelles.

Among the guests at the ceremony were the speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Herminie, chief justice Frederick Egonda-Ntende, other ministers and chief of the defence forces Brigadier Leopold Payet.