Mr Michel made a one-day stopover in Abu Dhabi following his state visit to India and spoke to the emirate’s naval forces about military cooperation with the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces.

The UAE has agreed to help Seychelles with facilities and equipment to combat pirate attacks, as well as to develop a means of protecting Seychellois fishermen when they go out to sea. 

“We need to prepare ourselves in the long term to fight piracy as the Somali mainland problem and piracy will not be solved soon,” said Mr Michel.

He said Abu Dhabi has agreed to help Seychelles with surveillance equipment, as well as extra expertise in maritime defence.