Seychelles’ ambassador to Portugal accredited |27 January 2015

Bernard Shamlaye has been accredited as Seychelles’ ambassador to Portugal.

He presented his credentials to Portuguese President Anibal Cavaco Silva at a ceremony held at the Palacio de Belem, Lisbon on January 20.

Discussions with President Cavaco Silva and senior government officials centred on the strengthening of cooperation between Portugal and Seychelles.
Given its importance in the culture and the economy of both countries, the ocean is a priority area for growing cooperation.  

Ambassador Shamlaye briefed the Portuguese authorities on Seychelles’ promotion of the Blue Economy as an essential platform for its sustainable development.
 
Portugal is also developing a more comprehensive approach to the sea sector. Lisbon will be hosting the “Blue Week” in June and the Portuguese authorities are counting on Seychelles’ involvement. Three main events are being organised: the World Ocean Summit, the Ministerial Meeting and the Blue Business Forum.

Cooperation in the fields of education, culture, tourism and renewable energy, as well as within international organisations, was also discussed.

While in Lisbon, Ambassador Shamlaye attended the traditional ceremony for the presentation of New Year Greetings for the diplomatic corps accredited to Portugal.

In his address on the occasion, the Portuguese head of state made mention, among other subjects, of “the urgent need for concerted global action on climate change” and of his view that for many countries “the maritime economy will be a key factor in economic and social development in the course of this 21st century”.