Seychelles have said the new leadership of the Maldives, under President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, has shown change. The remark was made during a courtesy call on President Solih by the Secretary of State for Cabinet Affairs in the Office of the President of Seychelles and Special Envoy of the President of Seychelles Mohamed Afif.
During the meeting held at the President's Office, President Solih welcomed the special envoy to the Maldives and extended his well wishes to the government and the people of Seychelles. The president also expressed hope the longstanding cordial relations between the two countries will further enhance in the years ahead.
At the call, Special Envoy Afif extended greetings and well wishes, and a letter from President of Seychelles Danny Faure to President Solih.
During the call, Special Envoy Afif and President Solih discussed ways to further enhance the existing bilateral relations between two countries. The president also mentioned that as small developing island states, Maldives and Seychelles share several common challenges and vulnerabilities. The special envoy noted the new leadership of the Maldives has shown change and noted Seychelles wishes to strengthen ties between the two countries and explore all areas to collaborate. The special envoy also noted Seychelles have always worked towards a more sustainable and resilient approach to harness ocean resources within the region.
President Solih expressed his hope for a peaceful, stable and secure Indian Ocean, as Maldives depend on the Indian Ocean for commerce, trade and livelihood. Moreover, the president emphasised Maldives have recently announced its bid to host Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG) 2023 and expressed hope for the support from Seychelles to hold the event in Maldives.
During the meeting, Special Envoy Afif was accompanied by Founder and Chief Executive of Nekton Oxford Deep Ocean Research Institute Oliver Steed and Nekton Principal Scientist at the University of Oxford Dr. Lucy Woodall.