Seychelles and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in defence and maritime security, a statement from the defence ministry in Victoria on Friday revealed.
The US defense attaché overseeing matters in Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles, Commander Michelle Calarasu, paid a courtesy call on foreign affairs minister, Mr. Barry Faure on Wednesday at Maison Quéau de Quinssy.
Commander Calarasu briefed the minister on the recent signing of the U.S. Department of Defense’s State Partnership Programme (SPP) between the Seychelles Defence Forces and the New Mexico National Guard.
The SPP aims to connect the U.S. National Guard with partner countries to support security cooperation and develop strong partnerships in the fields of maritime security, disaster preparedness and capacity building.
Minister Faure reaffirmed his country’s continued collaboration with the US in the maritime security spheres.
The two officials also discussed upcoming maritime security initiatives including the upcoming plenary session of the Contact Group on Illicit Maritime Activities (CGIMA) taking place at the end of July in Mauritius, as well as pending agreements which would benefit both countries.
WN/as/APA