(Seychelles News Agency) - “I Love Seychelles” is the national theme of the Indian Ocean archipelago for 2015 declared by the island nation's President James Michel.

The Seychellois Head of State announced the theme which he has described as “patriotic” in his New Year message aired this evening on the national television, the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC).

“The theme for the year encapsulates all that is dear to us as a nation. Always united, standing together, working for the same objective, for greater success. This theme will inspire and motivate us to do even more -- and better -- for our Seychelles…….”said Michel.

He noted that there are countless reasons to love Seychelles which he described as a “country of liberty, justice and social harmony.”

“We appreciate our success. We are on the right course. We are respectful of each other’s origins and beliefs. Providence has smiled on us. It has blessed us with a country of abundant opportunities. We love Seychelles because it represents a people with an unyielding spirit, resilience and a determination that dignify us.”

The president has called on all Seychellois to appreciate what the country offers and to mobilise their efforts towards more progress.

“…..Seychelles is our homeland. It is our cradle. I call on all Seychellois, in every family, in every community, in every school, all of religious beliefs, in every voluntary organization, in every field of work, in every business, in every political party, to love and protect our Seychelles,” he said.

When talking about the year 2014, Michel noted that the Indian Ocean archipelago of 115 islands with a population of around 90,000 people has made progress in its economic sector despite a slow growth.

He is hopeful for a better 2015 while he said the country needs to remain cautious.

“The success of our macro-economic reform programme has boosted our confidence. We have to stay the course, and when necessary, undertake the readjustments according to the global economic situation. We have become a resilient people -- we have to work harder in order to build our prosperity,” said Michel.     

"We continue to increase our foreign exchange reserves. Our national debt is manageable. There are no shortages. Jobs abound. There are more business opportunities. It is the resilience we have built that renders us more determined and always ready to grasp the reality, and face challenges."

As Seychelles "celebrate the accomplishment of most of the eight Millennium Development Goals" set by the United Nations to be achieved by 2015 the president has called on the Seychellois people to look beyond 2015 and focus on other opportunities that the country offers.

Michel ended his message wishing a happy and prosperous New Year to all Seychellois.