President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said Maldives and Seychelles are small island nations, with big dreams and great determination.
Speaking at the state banquet hosted by President of Seychelles Danny Faure, President Solih said he believes it is the duty of the leaders of both countries to navigate the shared tides and turbulences in order to lead people to the peaceful and prosperous destination that they desire.
In his speech, the president noted the first of July this year marked the 39th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Maldives and Seychelles. However, he said the relationship and the history have long been intertwined in the midst of time and by the tides of the great Indian Ocean.
Furthermore, President Solih highlighted the 7 Agreements and Memorandums of Understandings (MoUs) signed during his visit signals the willingness to exchange knowledge, increase cooperation and move towards shared mutual progress. In this regard, he said the General Cooperation Agreement between the two governments, as well as the MoU on Cooperation between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, will further strengthen the existing bilateral relations and pave the way for even more collaboration in various sectors.
Moreover, President Solih described the MoU on Tourism Development, the MoU on Cooperation in the Blue Economy Sector as well as the MoU for Cooperation in Climate Change, as the opening of the era of sustainable developmental cooperation promises to be one of innovation and excellence.
Meanwhile, President Solih noted the MoU on Sports Cooperation, as well the MoU for Vocational Training and Youth Development Cooperation will prove instrumental in working towards the goal of empowering the communities through more engagement with the youth.
On conclusion, the president also extended gratitude to President Faure and the Seychellois Government for agreeing to progress collaboration in such a wide range of spheres to the mutual benefit of the denizens of both nations.