(Seychelles News Agency) - The Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, made a two-day state visit to Seychelles from 28-30 June at the invitation of President Danny Faure.

SNA presents the highlights of Gonsalves’ visit to the 115-island archipelago in the western Indian Ocean.

1. Shortly after his arrival, the Prime Minister proceeded to State House in the capital Victoria where there was a welcoming ceremony and inspection of the Guard of Honour. Gonsalves was also introduced to the Cabinet of Ministers.

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2. Gonsalves met with President Faure and discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of the two island nations. After extending a warm welcome to Prime Minister Gonsalves, Faure reaffirmed the Seychelles’ commitment towards establishing and reinforcing cooperation in a multitude of sectors.

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3. As is customary for leaders on State visits to Seychelles, the Prime Minister visited the Botanical Gardens in the central Mahe district of Mont Fleuri where he planted a coco de mer seed in honour of his visit. Accompanied by the Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change, Wallace Cosgrow, and other high officials, Gonsalves toured the garden, which is one of the main tourist attractions in the capital Victoria.

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4. On Friday evening, President Faure hosted a cocktail reception for Gonsalves. The Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines reaffirmed the commonalities that exist between the two countries and people.

“In this globalised political economy, Small Island States have very unique problems and challenges and the circumstances forged within us manifest ideas which we can bring to the table of international affairs. We can make an important contribution to global peace and shared prosperity,” Gonsalves said.

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5. On Saturday morning, Gonsalves travelled to Praslin, the second-most populated island to visit the Vallée de Mai -- a Seychelles’ UNESCO’s world heritage site. As is the tradition, the Prime Minister had the chance to guess the weight of a 14.9 kg coco de mer -- the world’s biggest nut endemic to Seychelles.

After visiting Vallée de Mai, Gonsalves expressed his amazement about the beauty of the nature reserve. “This is an extraordinary work of nature. I’ve never been to anything like this. I have travelled all over the world but this one has a uniqueness. The beauty of the palms, its magnificence and the coco de mer is simply unique. And the hills are really joyful together.”

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6. The highlight of Gonsalves' visit was serving as Guest of Honour at the Seychelles’ 43rd Independence Day anniversary and National Day celebrations on June 29. The day was commemorated by several activities including a military parade at the Unity Stadium at Roche Caiman a central district on the main island of Mahe.

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7. Gonsalves left Seychelles on Sunday 30 June and at end of his two-day state visit, he said, “I enjoyed it very much. Last night (the national celebration show) was splendid. I was very impressed by the young people with their skills and talents. And I understand a young person put the show together. I have to congratulate that individual. It was absolutely superb and I enjoyed Praslin.”

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The Prime Minister bid farewell with the following word: ‘Desperetequio’ which means ‘My spirit has reached out all to you, has received you and you sent it back to me out of recompense.’