Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Seychelles maintains strong relations with the UAE and expects such ties to grow thanks to the support of the country by the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, its vice president has said.

Danny Faure said in an interview with news website in Abu Dhabi www.hotelandrest.com Seychelles which marked its national day last week is witnessing growth in its economy and social stability due the UAE support.

He also paid tributes to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi’s crown prince and deputy supreme commander of the armed forces for his continuous assistance for Seychelles’ economic development.

“Thanks to the support by Abu Dhabi, our country has become more stable in various fields…we also have better tourism prospects,” he said, referring to the UAE’s financial support for housing, power and infrastructure projects in Seychelles.

“Every day, we learn from the UAE experience in developing our own country…we see the UAE as one of the most important countries in economic growth and efforts to diversify its sources of income…Singapore used to be like this in the past.”

He said the UAE has also become a major financial and economic centre, adding that the US, Europe and other countries are pushing to have partnerships with the UAE.

Asked about his country’s plan to develop economic ties with the UAE, he said :”We tell our people that our relationship with the UAE is very important in building a bright future for our nation…we say that we will ensure a better life for our people through our partnership with the UAE.”

He also said Seychelles maintains good tourism links with the UAE, noting that Etihad and Emirates carriers operate 28 flights to Seychelles a week. He described this as the largest air link with Seychelles.

He stressed the importance of the tourism sector for Seychelles economy as it accounts for nearly 27 per cent of the national income and 40 per cent of manpower.

He said that developing the tourism sector depends on investment from the UAE and other countries, noting that Seychelles offers attractive incentives to Emirati investors in the tourism sector. He stressed the need for joint projects in this sector.

Turning to security, he said the UAE has supported his country in this field by funding a system to protect its coasts against piracy and terrorism.

He disclosed plans to set up a marina in Seychelles to promote the tourism sector, adding that there are also plans to build a new airport in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Airports Company.

He said Seychelles has completed the construction of a marine cable for communication with Tanzania while there are plans to open the door for foreign investors in solar and wind energy, sewage and water desalination.

He noted that Seychelles is also benefiting from Abu Dhabi’s experience in long-term development strategies as it embarks on a plan for sustainable development stretching until 2040. He said the project would be supported by Abu Dhabi’s Urban Planning Council under the supervision of Abu Dhabi government.
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