Seychelles’ ambassador to Belgium accredited |31 March 2015

Seychelles’ new ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, Selby Pillay, presented his credentials to the King of the Belgians, His Majesty King Philippe, on Tuesday March 10, 2015, making him the fourth Seychelles ambassador to be accredited there.

In the discussion following the accreditation ceremony, Ambassador Pillay and the Belgian King explored areas of ongoing cooperation between the nations while also targeting new avenues to further reinforce the partnership.

Ambassador Pillay commended Belgium for the continuous support extended to Seychelles in the fight against maritime piracy through EUNavfor and UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime).

He appealed to Belgium to maintain its stance in helping securitise the maritime spaces especially through the memorandum of understanding on Defence Cooperation which is set to expire this year as well as through other instruments in place between the two countries.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1976, Belgium has steadily offered help to Seychelles in several key areas, notably in defence, maritime surveillance and sports.

King Philippe highlighted fisheries as a key field for cooperation which he feels need to be further explored.

Ambassador Pillay presented King Philippe with a coco de mer and the Belgian king expressed his wish for coco de mer to be planted in the Royal Gardens as a sign of the long lasting friendship and cooperation between Belgium and Seychelles.

King Philippe, who had been to Seychelles on a private visit, commended Seychelles' efforts in conserving our "unique and very beautiful environment" as well as for the economic recovery and subsequent growth following the 2008 world financial crisis.

Other subjects of common interest included Seychelles’ tourism industry and the Blue Economy.

Seychelles and Belgium are mutually supportive of each other's candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations’ Security Council.