(Seychelles News Agency) - The Seychelles’ President Danny Faure has expressed the need to pursue and develop cooperation in the fields of tourism, agriculture and fisheries with Sri Lanka, a communiqué from the State house said on Wednesday.

Faure was on a working visit to Sri Lanka and on his final day he held bilateral talks with the Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena.

The Seychelles' head of state and his counterpart spoke on the need to build the momentum to elevate the bilateral relations between the two countries.

The Sri Lankan President said that as two neighbouring states in the Indian Ocean with many similarities there are many things that could be done to enhance the partnership between Seychelles and Sri Lanka.

Sirisena gave his full support on the urgent need to work together with the Seychelles’ President to eradicate the drug problems.

Both leaders agreed that in working closely together Seychelles and Sri Lanka could be a strong voice in the regional and international arena.

Faure has invited his Sri Lankan counterpart to Seychelles on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in October next year.

During his visit, Faure met with several Sri Lankan ministers and discussed areas where the two countries can collaborate.

In his discussions with Minister of Agriculture  Duminda Dissanayake, Faure said, “We are seeking the assistance of your Government to facilitate necessary exposure and exchanges for our Seychellois by sharing some of your best practices in the fields of Agriculture.”

President Faure sought the assistance of the Sri Lankan Minister of Agriculture Duminda Dissanayake to facilitate necessary exposure and exchanges for Seychellois. (State House) Photo License: CC-BY

The President of Seychelles, a group of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean, also discussed an increase in trade and commerce in agricultural products between the two countries while benefiting from Sri Lanka’s expertise in Border Control and Biosecurity.

Faure also met with Mahinda Amaraweera, the Minister for Fisheries, where he discussed ways Sri Lanka can work with Seychelles to broaden cooperation in the fisheries sector. The fishing industry is the second top contributor to the Seychelles’ economy.

Faure and the Minister of Fisheries Mahinda Amaraweera discussed ways Sri Lanka can work with Seychelles to broaden cooperation in the fisheries sector. (State House) Photo License: CC-BY

The Seychelles’ Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Michael Benstrong has remained in Sri Lanka to pursue further discussions with relevant authorities in the two areas.

Seychelles and Sri Lanka will also enhance cooperation in the judiciary and Faure met with the Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya and the Minister of Justice Wijayadasa Rajapakshe. A new policy framework will be put in place to enhance legal cooperation, Faure said.

With the Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya, President Faure spoke on enhancing cooperation in judiciary. (State House) Photo License: CC-BY

Faure has also sought the support of Sri Lanka in the fight against the transnational drug problems which is severely impacting on the economic and social development of both countries and the region.