(Seychelles News Agency) - The President of the Seychelles, James Michel has expressed his condolences after the demise of the former United Nations Secretary-General, Boutros Boutros-Ghali.

The Egyptian politician and diplomat who also served as the 1st Secretary General of the ‘Organisation International de la Francophonie’ passed away on Tuesday at the age of 93.

In a press statement issued this afternoon by the Seychelles Foreign Affairs Ministry, Michel described the Egyptian politician and diplomat as “a towering statesman” and “a great son of Egypt and the African continent.”

Boutros Boutros-Ghali served as the UN Secretary General between 1992 and 1996 and he was the 1^st Secretary General of the ‘Organisation international de la Francophonie’ between 1997 and 2002. 

United nations' former secretary general Boutros Boutros Ghali smiles during an Egyptian-European Book fair held outside the Arab World Institute (IMA) in Paris 12 June 2003. (AFP Photo/JEAN-PIERRE MULLER) Photo License: All Rights Reserved

Michel has also highlighted his 'great contribution' to both organisations including his work to promote the French language adding that he leaves behind a legacy of peace and unity.

“Seychelles has fond memories of Mr. Boutros-Ghali as one of the most accomplished Secretaries-General of the UN who played a key role in advocating for a more equitable future for the developing world,” said Michel.

Boutros Boutros-Ghali visited the Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean in August 1989.

The Seychelles Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to SNA that he came to the island nation on an official visit in his capacity as the Egyptian Minister of State of Foreign Affairs at the time.