(Seychelles News Agency) - Getting people in Seychelles interested in the Spanish language and culture has been named as one of the priorities of the newly accredited Spanish Ambassador to the Indian Ocean archipelago.

Ambassador Borja Montesino was speaking to journalists at State House this morning, after presenting his credentials to the Seychelles President James Michel.

Diplomatic relations between Seychelles and Spain were established soon after the Indian Ocean island nation gained its Independence from Britain in 1976.

Fisheries is one of the main areas where cooperation have existed between the two sides for over 30 years with many Spanish tuna fishing vessels operating within the Seychelles' exclusive economic zone.

According to a press statement issued by State House this afternoon fisheries along with renewable energy, blue economy and tourism were some of the areas highlighted during talks between Michel and Montesino.

Their discussions focussed on ways to consolidate already existing cooperation and develop further partnerships in the various fields.

Ambassador Montesino will be seeking to continue in the footsteps of his predecessor Miguel Fernàndez-Palacios whose mandate which ended in June this year also focussed on some of the areas mentioned, including exchanges in the renewable energy sector and investment in tourism.

Ambassador Borja Montesino (left) during discussions with President James Michel which focussed on ways to strengthen existing ties and develop new areas of cooperation. (Patrick Joubert, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

"The Spanish, Seychelles relations are full of energy, there have been long standing presence [Spanish presence in Seychelles]….not only with the fishing activities...These presence over the last years have been increased through the EUNAVFOR and Operation Atalanta [European Union Mission against piracy off the coast of Somalia] of ships paying regular visits to the Port of Victoria and we are very happy," said Montesino.

According to the State House statement, Michel also took the opportunity to thank Spain for its “good will and assistance” given to Seychelles in the fight against piracy through its military presence in the region over the years.

The newly accredited Spanish Ambassador to Seychelles Borja Montesino will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

He will be serving a four-year mandate at the helm of his country’s diplomatic presence in the archipelago of 115 islands.