Seychelles’ first resident HC to Sri Lanka accredited |09 July 2015

Philippe Le Gall, who was posted in China till April this year, has become Seychelles’ first resident high commissioner in Sri Lanka.
He presented his credentials yesterday to Maithripala Sirinesa, President of the Socialist Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka. 

After expressing Seychelles’ gratitude for what has been jointly achieved bilaterally to date until now through 27 years of diplomatic ties, Mr Le Gall saidthe Seychelles government is willing to take the relations of friendship and cooperation with Sri Lanka one step ahead for the mutual benefit of the two countries. 

President Sirisena and High Commissioner Le Gall talked about cooperation in tourism, most notably in the cruise ship sector.

The newly accredited high commissioner expressed the key contribution of Mihin Lanka to the archipelago’s national development through its regular flights, further connecting the two island nations. 

President Sirisena insisted on the huge potential existing in the fisheries sector, a remark on which the Seychellois diplomat elaborated to stress the importance of the Blue economy agenda, especially for island states, irrespective of their size and level of development.

President Sirisena requested Seychelles’ support to his country in the international arena and said Sri Lanka would extend similar support in the spirit of partnership of the Non-Aligned Movement.

The Sri Lankan head of state also confirmed his country’s willingness to be represented in Seychelles in the very near future by a resident high commissioner.

Describing himself as a people to people diplomat willing to contribute to the strengthening of human and professional relations between the two national communities, Mr Le Gall added he felt honoured to be posted in a beautiful country with such a rich history and culture.