The Minister for Finance, Economic Planning and Trade has hosted the new Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to Seychelles.

The courtesy meeting was held in the Office of Minister Naadir Hassan, Liberty House, this afternoon.

His Excellency, Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, stressed on the strong relations that already exist between Seychelles and Bahrain, but he said there is a need to build on that foundation.

Seychelles and Bahrain established diplomatic ties in May 1983.

“We have the foundation, now we need to do more”, said Ambassador Al Khalifa.

Minister Hassan has welcomed the Ambassador’s appeal to build on the existing foundation.

“It is time for action, where we can work together in mutual respect.”

Seychelles and Bahrain has cooperated in many fields, including financial services.

Today, Al Salam Bank, a Bahraini bank, has a branch in Seychelles.

“As a banker, I know that banking relationship is built on trust, and Al Salam is doing well here, so there is potential for further cooperation in the financial services”, said Minister Hassan.

Minister Hassan is also encouraging investors from Bahrain to invest in Seychelles, such as in fisheries, tourism, agriculture and infrastructure.

The Principal Secretary for Economic Planning, Mrs Elizabeth Agathine, also attended the meeting.

Bahrain, a small island in the Gulf region, is today not only relying entirely on the exportation of oil and gas, but it has also diversify its economy, in developing its financial sector and tourism.

His Excellency, Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, presented his accreditation documents to President Wavel Ramkalawan on Tuesday 08th June.

Source: Ministry of Finance, Trade and Blue Economy