India, Seychelles need to work together as partners: Kovind

President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday said India and Seychelles need to work together as partners in strengthening the regional architecture of the Indian Ocean.

"Our countries need to work together as partners in strengthening the regional architecture of the Indian Ocean," the President said while hosting a banquet in the honour of Seychelles President Danny Antoine Rollen Faure here at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

He said that India and Seychelles share a very special relationship, built on the foundation of mutual trust, enormous goodwill and shared values.

"The two countries are happy to share the same geostrategic vision of maintaining peace, security and stability in the Indian Ocean," Kovind said.

Welcoming President Danny Faure to India, Kovind said: "India recognises the leadership role of Seychelles in Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and on climate change and maritime security issues.

"Seychelles has also emerged as the top African country in the Human Development Index. It has consistently figured among the top five ranking countries in Africa for overall governance," he said.

The President further said that the vast natural resources provide limitless opportunities for the growth and prosperity of future generations. "Our common goal should be to harness the full potential of the ocean-based Blue Economy in a sustainable manner," he said.

Kovind assured the President of Seychelles of India's continued commitment for extending development assistance to Seychelles in all the areas which the government of Seychelles considers critical and of direct benefit to its people.

--IANS

aks/nir