Abu Dhabi is turning Victoria into a modern city

Dick Patrick Esparon, Ambassador of Seychelles has said that Seychelles and UAE bilateral ties are developing thanks to the keenness of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President of the Republic of Seychelles James Alix Michel. In an interview with Emirates News Agency (WAM) he said, that Abu Dhabi government, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council are carrying out a strategic project to re-plan Victoria, capital of the Seychelles in order to solve the problems of traffic, housing, clean water, electricity and public services. According to him the Government of Seychelles and "Masdar" will inaugurate before the end of this year the first wind farm near the port of the capital Victoria to generate electricity from wind and to overcome the energy shortfall in the Seychelles. The ambassador said: " People of Seychelles and its leadership will always remember the support of President Khalifa for the development projects in Seychelles and the financing of housing construction, desalination plants and provision of drinking water, hospitals, roads and services for a population of about one hundred thousand people." The projects which have been implemented and those that are being carried out with the support of Abu Dhabi will provide Seychelles sustainable development and will improve the living standard of its people, he added. He noted that government of Abu Dhabi has set up an advanced infrastructure in the Seychelles, during a short period of time and contributed to solving the problems of electricity and desalination of water. " Abu Dhabi government has funded in construction of Seychelles Coast Guard Headquarters, and have supplied five gun boats to strengthen defense against pirate activities and protecting country's coast. The headquarters will cost around $ 15 million and will be opened at the end of November". He added that Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council is working with the Government of Seychelles to establish sustainable environment, improving the lifestyle of the population and preserving the identity and social integration as well as infrastructure development and revitalization of existing areas of central cities. He pointed out that opening of the first embassy of Seychelles in Abu Dhabi last month is a confirmation of the keenness of President James Alix and his government to develop friendly relations and cooperation with the UAE in various fields. Ambassador Esparon highlighted the importance of commencing Etihad Airways flights to Seychelles, which will contribute in increasing trade with the UAE and encourage businessmen to invest money in the Seychelles, especially in the fields of tourism, fisheries and agriculture. Seychelles Chamber of Commerce '&' Industry is working on signing trade cooperation agreements with chambers of commerce in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah in the coming period to stimulate economic activities.