Swazi Queen Mother received at State House |08 October 2010

She is on a private visit to Seychelles and is accompanied by a delegation of more than 20 people, including Swazi Minister for Health Benedict Xaba.

Following the meeting with Mr Michel, the Queen Mother held separate talks with First Lady Natalie Michel, who is chairperson of the Children’s Homes Foundation.

Talking to the press afterwards, Mr Xaba described the meeting with Mr Michel as “wonderful”. A wide range of issues were discussed, among them culture and tradition, and the President expressed appreciation for what Swaziland is doing to uphold these vital aspects of the country’s life. Seychelles can learn much in this regard, he added.

Tourism was the other main issue that came up for discussion, and Mr Michel told the Queen Mother about the projects Seychelles is involved in and the promotion efforts that are being made.

Mr Xaba said the President expressed the desire for a partnership with Swaziland to further strengthen tourism in both countries.

Mr Michel also commended King Mswati III on his election as the new chairman of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa during the 14th Comesa summit held in Swaziland from August 31 to September 1.

Seychelles was represented at that summit by Vice-President Danny Faure, Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Paul Adam, principal secretary in the Vice-President’s Office Jeanne Simeon and Seychelles’ ambassador to Comesa Joseph Nourrice.

The Queen Mother also raised issues related to women, as in Swaziland she is the leader of various projects to empower women. Mr Michel explained the status of Seychellois women, saying that a large percentage of them take an active part in economic activities, and here again the two countries have a lot to share.

Women’s and children’s issues were also discussed at length by the Queen Mother and Mrs Michel as they share a deep interest in these subjects.

The Queen Mother then invited the First Lady to visit Swaziland so she can see for herself the various projects that have been carried out.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Paul Adam, who also welcomed the royal delegation and attended the meeting at State House, said the visit follows talks the Seychelles delegation had during the Comesa summit.

He said Swaziland has shown great interest in Seychelles’ achievements and recognises that it has a lot to learn from us in various areas – as we have from them.

Mr Adam said there are many exchange opportunities in various areas, and for the African region to develop economically we need to work together in partnership. The two countries are working on agreements in this field which they hope to sign in the near future.

Later yesterday the Queen Mother and her delegation called on ambassador Marie-Pierre Lloyd. They arrived here on Wednesday and expect to leave at the weekend.