Seychelles President James Alix Michel arrived in Colombo today

Seychelles President James Alix Michel arrived in Colombo today for a three-day visit on an invitation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa to strengthen bilateral ties.

Early in the morning, Seychelles President James Alex Mitchell and a group of delegates arrived at the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport and they were warmly welcomed by External Affairs Minister G.L Peiris and Cabinet Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Dr Rajitha Senaratne

He is accompanied by a high-level Seychelles delegation comprises among others, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean Paul Adam, Minister of Natural Resources and Industry Peter Sinon, and Delhi based High Commissioner of Seychelles to Sri Lanka Waven William.

During his stay the Seychelles President will hold bilateral discussions with President Rajapaksa and Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa. In addition, he is scheduled to meet high ranking government officials. External Affairs Ministry sources said the Seychelles President will deliver a special lecture at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Centre on August 21.

Earlier, Rishad Bathiyutheen, Sri Lankan Minister of Industry and Commerce welcomed the Seychelles President and his 15-member delegation.

"This is a historic occasion for Sri Lanka-Seychelles bilateral trade and general relations. We have not received such a strong delegation from Seychelles in recent times," welcoming the delegation the Minister has said.

The Minister has expressed hope the visit will boost current trade volumes which is around US$ 2 million.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, in 2011, Sri Lanka's exports to Seychelles stood at US$830,000 while imports were at US$ 1.64 million.

Main products exported from Sri Lanka include tea and fishing vessels but the Ministry believes that gems and jewellery, furniture, boats and plastic products have export potential in the Seychelles market.

- Asian Tribune -