Seychelles today assured India that it would be a “rock of dependability” for New Delhi in the area and thanked it for the support in combating piracy.
During a meeting with visiting President Ms Pratibha Patil, her Seychellian counterpart, Mr James Michel, thanked India for supporting his country in the fight against piracy.
“We thank India for all its support in the fight against piracy. Our armed forces work together very effectively,” Mr Michel said.
Mr Michel said Ms Patil's visit emphasised the importance that the two countries placed on their bilateral relations and Seychelles has positioned itself “as a rock of dependability for India in the Indian Ocean region”.
“India can always count on Seychelles and I know that we can always count on India. We share a strategic partnership and also a natural partnership,” he said.
Ms Patil also thanked Seychelles for supporting India at various international foras including its backing for India's candidature in a reformed United Nations Security Council.
The two countries also signed two MoUs including one on police research under which police personnel of the island republic will receive training from India to combat piracy and other challenges.
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