VP Meriton sends message to EU ambassador on Europe Day |11 May 2020

On the occasion of Europe Day celebrated on May 9, Vice-President Vincent Meriton, who is also the Minister for Foreign Affairs, has extended warmest wishes to Vincent Degert, ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Seychelles and to the people of the European Union, on this joyous day.

“On the celebration of Europe Day 2020, please allow me, on behalf of the government and the people of the Republic of Seychelles, to express our gratitude to the European Union for its continued dynamic support and valuable partnership,” conveyed VP Meriton.

He further expressed that “The European Union has been one of Seychelles’ key development partners over the past four (4) decades and continues to support our country’s socio-economic development. This is evidenced by various funding of activities and projects in critical sectors such as climate change, environment, family affairs, human rights, infrastructure, private sector to name a few. Even during this pandemic situation of COVID-19 that is affecting countries worldwide, the EU has been instrumental in terms of support and guidance to Seychelles”.

In recognition of Europe Day, “the government of Seychelles would like to highlight the contribution that the European Union has made towards the overall development of the Seychelles especially in terms of technical assistance being provided to key institutions in Seychelles namely the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Attorney General’s Office and the Financial Intelligence Unit. I am most confident that these institutions will benefit immensely from these technical and capacity building support being provided to them,” added the vice-president.”

He also pointed out the importance of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which will enhance Seychelles’ competitive integration into the regional and trading systems.

In conclusion, VP Meriton stated: “We have over the years developed a solid partnership and we have also faced many challenges. However, these challenges have not stopped us in forging our relationship forward and I am confident that over the years, this partnership will continue to flourish and bear fruitful outcomes”.

Press release from the department of Foreign Affairs