(Seychelles News Agency) - It was a once-in-a-generation visit. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was in the Seychelles May 7-8, the first visit by a Secretary-General in 40 years. We were thrilled to show the world leader our island nation's blue skies and white beaches. While he was here the world's ultimate diplomat had a few nice things to say about our 115-island archipelago. Here are five of our favorites:

1. Island nature! Ban called the Valle de Mai Nature Reserve "breathtaking" and a "common asset for the whole humanity." He thanked Seychelles for preserving this "very valuable treasure."

(Romano Laurence, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

2. The environment: Ban said he was impressed by Seychelles sense of responsibility, especially concerning environmental issues. And he thanked the island nation for quickly ratifying the Paris Agreement on climate change. We're one of only 16 nations to do it so fast!

(Joena Bonnelame, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

3. Piracy, grrrrrr! Ban said he appreciates Seychelles' leadership on the issue of piracy off the coast of Somalia. This is a fading problem (yeah!). No commercial ships have been hijacked since 2013.

(Jason R. Zalasky, US Navy) Photo License: CC-BY

4. Drugs: Ban applauded Seychelles for working with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to ensure that suspects are given fair and efficient trials.

(NDEA) Photo License: CC-BY

5. The future: Ban said Seychelles is in an excellent position to build on its record of protecting the environment, creating sustainable livelihoods and increasing the use of renewable energy. 

(Patrick Joubert, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY