(Seychelles News Agency) - Further developing existing cooperation between Seychelles and Qatar. This was widely discussed between the Indian Ocean island nation’s President James Michel and the newly accredited Qatari ambassador to the Indian Ocean island nation.

Ambassador Ibrahim Mohamed Al-Abdulla presented his credentials to Michel at State House, in the Seychelles capital of Victoria this morning.

He is the third ambassador of his country to be accredited to Seychelles since the two sides established formal diplomatic ties on April 7, 1984.

Qatari Ambassador Ibrahim Mohamed Al-Abdulla met with the Seychelles President James Michel at State House this morning. (Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

“Qatar and Seychelles relations are based on the strong bonds of friendship and over 30 years of long lasting cooperation….Qatar is happy with the determination of the Seychellois people and the Government in its past achievements and its future endeavors,” reads a written statement which Al-Abdulla presented to the local press national media after his discussions with President Michel.

The ambassador also acknowledged Seychelles’ role in the fight against piracy and ensuring maritime security in the region as well as its role in supporting the fight against climate change.

“… It should not go unnoticed that Seychelles has experienced rapid and continuous economic growth. The discussion I have with the President is mainly based on existing cooperation and how to further develop them.”

According to a press statement issued by State House this afternoon sports partnerships, housing projects, tourism, investment and aviation was among issues of cooperation discussed.

Ambassador Ibrahim Mohamed Al-Abdulla is based in Nairobi, Kenya.