Cooperation between Seychelles and Cyprus is expected to increase in various areas, especially in education where more scholarships are to made available.

The new Cypriot ambassador to Seychelles, Agis Loizou, said this yesterday morning after presenting his credentials to President James Michel at State House.

“Cyprus and Seychelles enjoy a long-lasting, excellent relationship and cooperation,” he said.

The two countries have strong historical links dating back to the 1950s when Archbishop Makarios – later to become President of Cyprus – was exiled here.

Mr Loizou said his first meeting with Mr Michel was a chance to reaffirm the excellent relationship between the two countries, and he assured the President that Cyprus will always be a close friend and ready to come to our aid.

Specifically, Cyprus would like to increase the number of scholarships for Seychellois, depending on the areas that are seen as important.

The ambassador said that during his mandate he will work towards carrying out all the agreements the two countries have signed up to now – Cyprus has signed more with Seychelles than with any other African country.

He said he plans to work towards increasing cooperation in all these fields but particularly in education “because we have a very high level of education in Cyprus and you have a very high level of education and well-trained people in Seychelles, so we will try to help even more, not only in postgraduate studies but also in graduate courses”.

Mr Loizou said Mr Michel assured him of his commitment to further enhance the already excellent relations between the two countries.

He noted that although there is no resident ambassador here, Cyprus’ honorary consul Panos Papanokinos has been doing an excellent job promoting his country.

Before he leaves the country later this week, Mr Loizou – who is based in Nairobi, Kenya – is expected to call on National Assembly speaker Dr Patrick Herminie tomorrow.

Courtesy calls on ministers and other personalities have also been planned.